Validity and Reliability of Interactive Virtual Reality in Assessing the Musculoskeletal System: a Systematic Review

Abstract

Purpose of Review Assessment of the musculoskeletal system requires consideration of its integrated function with the nervous system. This may be assisted by using valid and reliable methods that simulate real-life situations. Interactive virtual reality (VR) technology may introduce various auditory and visual inputs that mimic real-life scenarios. However, evidence supporting the quality and strength of evidence regarding the adequacy of its psychometric properties in assessing the musculoskeletal function has not been evaluated yet. Therefore, this study reviewed the validity and reliability of VR games and real-time feedback in assessing the musculoskeletal system. Recent Findings Nine studies were included in quality assessment. Based on outcome measures, studies were categorized into range of motion (ROM), balance, reaction time, and cervical motion velocity and accuracy. The majority of the studies were of moderate quality and provided evidence of VR adequate concurrent and, in some cases, known-groups validity. Also, VR showed high intra-rater reliability for most of the measured outcomes. Summary Based on the included studies, there is a limited promising evidence that interactive VR using games or real-time feedback is highly valid and reliable in assessing ROM in asymptomatic participants and patients with chronic neck pain and radial fracture. For the remaining outcomes, evidence is limited to draw a robust conclusion. Future studies are recommended to test VR psychometric properties in different patients' population using a rigor research methodology.

Physiotherapist beliefs and perspectives on virtual reality–supported rehabilitation for the assessment and management of musculoskeletal shoulder pain: a focus group study protocol

“…Virtual Reality technology has the potential not only to provide pain relief and a platform for rehabilitation for people with musculoskeletal conditions, but also to provide valid and reliable assessment of individual physical performance. Gumaa et al 2021 52 , carried out the first systematic review to evaluate the validity and reliability of VR for assessing the musculoskeletal system. This review included nine studies, four of which used immersive VR.…”

Rapid Synthesis of the Literature on the Evolution of Gamification in Distal Radial Fracture Rehabilitation

“…There is extremely promising validation that interactive VR utilizing real-time feedback or games is exceptionally substantial and dependable in analyzing ROM in asymptomatic individuals and patients with persistent neck pain and DRF. The validity of VR should be investigated by evaluating postural balance, response time, movement velocity, and precision to make a powerful determination [ 16 ].…”

Gamification for Distal Radius Fracture Rehabilitation: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

“…Gamification is the implication of serious gaming in functional rehabilitation as a novel intervention technique [1]. It has been shown to have a positive effect in patients with chronic lower back pain [2], lower limb amputation [3], traumatic shoulder stiffness [4], cerebral palsy [5], traumatic brain injury [6], and other musculoskeletal disorders [7]. The efficacy of gamification was applied and analyzed on a patient with distal radius fracture (DRF) and was found to be effective in reducing pain, improving range of motion (ROM), the strength of grip, and functional independence [8].…”