The effectiveness of virtual reality distraction for reducing pain: A meta-analysis.

Abstract

Virtual reality uses computer technology to immerse the individual in a multisensory, 3-dimensional environment. This meta-analysis is the first to quantify the effect of virtual reality distraction on pain. To be included in the meta-analysis, studies were required to use a between-subjects or mixed-model design in which virtual reality distraction was compared with a control condition in reducing pain. Of the 299 records screened, 14 studies met the inclusion criteria. The mean weighted effect size for virtual reality distraction was .90, indicating that the average participant receiving this intervention showed more improvement than about 82% of control participants. Virtual reality distraction was more effective in reducing experimental than clinical pain and when used with adults versus children. However, there was no difference in the relief produced by computer software developed specifically for virtual reality distraction and commercial games with a 3-dimensional environment. The findings of the meta-analysis suggest that virtual reality distraction is a highly effective pain intervention. More research is needed on the application of this intervention to chronic pain, as well as the role of presence and fun as moderator variables. Clinicians may wish to consider virtual reality distraction as a promising treatment choice for patients who suffer from pain.

(512) The impact of virtual reality on chronic pain

“…One recent article [22] conducted a meta-analysis on studies to date which had investigated the use of VR for acute or experimentally-induced pain. Based on these data we assumed an effect size of .5 and a standard deviation of pre-post change scores of 1.0.…”

Mobile virtual reality distraction reduces needle pain and stress in children?

“…The effectiveness of VR has been demonstrated in a large number of studies carried out both in healthy populations Hoffman et al, 2003;Kenney & Milling, 2016;Magora et al, 2006) as well as among hospital patients during medical procedures such as burn injury treatments (Hoffman et al, 2011), chemotherapy (Chirico et al, 2016a), and other painful and stressful procedures-dental treatment and urology procedures (Indovina et al, 2018) and needle-related procedures (Birnie et al, 2014;Cohen et al, 2014;Gold & Mahrer, 2017;Goodenough et al, 1997;MacLaren & Cohen, 2005;Mason et al, 1999;.…”

Virtual Reality for Pain Control—Virtual or Real?

“…[2][3][4][5] Based on a recent meta-analysis of 14 controlled studies, VR-induced distraction has been indicated highly effective in alleviating pain. 6 This analysis found a mean weighted effect size of 0.90 for VR distraction but it was not possible to draw any conclusion of VR effectiveness for acute versus chronic pain conditions. From included studies, seven were in experimental pain and seven in clinical pain.…”

“…6 Another review, 7 has found strong overall evidence for immediate and short-term pain reduction, and a moderate evidence for the reduction of pain and functional impairment after application of immersive VR. This review applied rapid evidence assessment strategy on 17 studies that consisted of five randomized clinical trials, six randomized crossover trials, two case series, and four single-patient case studies.…”