Virtual Reality Graded Exposure Therapy for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Feasibility and Acceptability Study

Pauline Zuzia*
Periodicity:July - December'2024

Abstract

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a leading cause of disability worldwide, with traditional graded exposure therapy (GET) often limited by high costs and patient attrition. This pilot study investigates the feasibility and acceptability of a virtual reality (VR) dodgeball game designed for CLBP rehabilitation. The game integrates graded activity, biofeedback, and gamification principles, tailored to individual patients’ range of motion using full-body tracking. Evaluations included three pain rehabilitation experts, two CLBP patients, and 16 healthy participants. Results indicated high feasibility in clinical settings (System Usability Scale [SUS] score: experts = 80.83, healthy participants = 81.72), with patients reporting high acceptability (e.g., 'fun','engaging') and increased movement without exacerbating pain. While preliminary findings are promising, further research with larger cohorts is needed to validate efficacy.Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a leading cause of disability worldwide, with traditional graded exposure therapy (GET) often limited by high costs and patient attrition. This pilot study investigates the feasibility and acceptability of a virtual reality (VR) dodgeball game designed for CLBP rehabilitation. The game integrates graded activity, biofeedback, and gamification principles, tailored to individual patients’ range of motion using full-body tracking. Evaluations included three pain rehabilitation experts, two CLBP patients, and 16 healthy participants. Results indicated high feasibility in clinical settings (System Usability Scale [SUS] score: experts = 80.83, healthy participants = 81.72), with patients reporting high acceptability (e.g., 'fun','engaging') and increased movement without exacerbating pain. While preliminary findings are promising, further research with larger cohorts is needed to validate efficacy.

Keywords

Virtual Reality

How to Cite this Article?

References

If you have access to this article please login to view the article or kindly login to purchase the article

Purchase Instant Access

Single Article

North Americas,UK,
Middle East,Europe
India Rest of world
USD EUR INR USD-ROW
Pdf 40 40 300
Online 15 15 300
Pdf & Online 40 40 300

Options for accessing this content:
  • If you would like institutional access to this content, please recommend the title to your librarian.
    Library Recommendation Form
  • If you already have i-manager's user account: Login above and proceed to purchase the article.
  • New Users: Please register, then proceed to purchase the article.