Virtual reality in the management of patients with low back and neck pain: a retrospective analysis of 82 people treated solely in the metaverse

Abstract

Background Clinically, neck pain disorders (NPD) and non-specific low back pain (NS-LBP) are respectively the fourth and first most common conditions associated with the greatest number of years lived with disability. Remote delivery of care may benefit healthcare sustainability, reduce environmental pollution, and free up space for those requiring care non-virtual care. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 82 participants with NS-LBP and/or NPD who received exercise therapy delivered solely in the metaverse using virtually reality. The study was to determine if this was achievable, safe, had appropriate outcome measures that could be collected, and if there was any early evidence of beneficial effects. Results The study demonstrated that virtual reality treatment delivered via the metaverse appears to be safe (no adverse events or side effects). Data for more than 40 outcome measures were collected. Disability from NS-LBP was significantly reduced (Modified Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Index) by 17.8% (p < 0.001) and from NPD (Neck Disability Index) by 23.2% (p = 0.02). Conclusions The data suggest that this method of providing exercise therapy was feasible, and safe (no adverse events reported), that complete reports were obtained from a large selection of patients, and that software acquired outcomes were obtainable over a range of time points. Further prospective research is necessary to better understand our clinical findings.

A framework for equitable virtual rehabilitation in the metaverse era: challenges and opportunities

“…Participants did not report any deterioration in their condition during the course of treatment using VR in the Metaverse. This favorable result emphasizes the safety and potential of VR as a safe approach to managing patients with low back and neck pain, further reinforcing its value as a therapeutic tool in the field of physical rehabilitation (33).…”

“…Moreover, disability decreasing from non-specific low back pain significantly decreased by 17.8% (p < 0.001) as measured by the Modified Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Index, and Neck Disability Index improved by 23.2% (p = 0.02). These findings highlight the potential benefits of incorporating VR in pain management and rehabilitation, offering a comprehensive approach to address various aspects of patients' pain (33). Additionally, the study demonstrated promising outcomes concerning adverse events.…”

“…Significant improvements were observed, including reduced pain Metaverse equitable rehabilitation therapy (MERTH) framework. levels, faster response time in arm movements, and increased range of motion for neck rotation, session accuracy, speed, and memorization capabilities (33). Moreover, disability decreasing from non-specific low back pain significantly decreased by 17.8% (p < 0.001) as measured by the Modified Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Index, and Neck Disability Index improved by 23.2% (p = 0.02).…”

Navigating the metaverse: A technical review of emerging virtual worlds

“…A metaverse-based virtual reality therapy program appeared to be safe, according to research by Orr et al (2023). Researchers gathered the information for more than 40 outcome metrics.…”

Clinical Applications of Virtual Reality in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation: A Scoping Review

“…Orr et al [32] wanted to assess the feasibility, safety, and suitability of exercise therapy utilising virtual reality (VR) in addressing neck pain disorders (NPD) and non-specific low back pain (NS-LBP), along with identifying appropriate outcome measures. Participants were equipped with the Pico Neo 2 (ByteDance) head-mounted display (HMD) and hand controllers.…”