This paper is in the following e-collection/theme issue:

Digital Health Reviews (1326) Extended Reality, Virtual Reality and Virtual Worlds (572) Digital Pain Assessment and Management (170) Back Pain (116) Reviews on XR and Spatial Computing (32)

Published on in Vol 26 (2024)

Preprints (earlier versions) of this paper are available at https://preprints.jmir.org/preprint/45406, first published .
Virtual Reality–Based Training in Chronic Low Back Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Virtual Reality–Based Training in Chronic Low Back Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Virtual Reality–Based Training in Chronic Low Back Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Authors of this article:

Ran Li1, 2 Author Orcid Image ;   Yinghao Li3 Author Orcid Image ;   Youli Kong1, 2 Author Orcid Image ;   Hanbin Li1, 2 Author Orcid Image ;   Danrong Hu1, 2 Author Orcid Image ;   Chenying Fu4, 5 Author Orcid Image ;   Quan Wei1, 2 Author Orcid Image
Article Authors Cited by (4) Tweetations (12) Metrics

    Review

    1Rehabilitation Medicine Center and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China

    2Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China

    3Department of Orthopedics, Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China

    4National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China

    5Aging and Geriatric Mechanism Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China

    Corresponding Author:

    Quan Wei, MD

    Rehabilitation Medicine Center and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine

    West China Hospital

    Sichuan University

    No.37 Guo Xue Alley

    Chengdu, 610041

    China

    Phone: 86 18980606730

    Email: weiquan@scu.edu.cn


    Background: Low back pain is one of the most prevalent pain conditions worldwide. Virtual reality–based training has been used for low back pain as a new treatment strategy. Present evidence indicated that the effectiveness of virtual reality–based training for people with chronic low back pain is inconclusive.

    Objective: This study conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the immediate- and short-term effects of virtual reality–based training on pain, pain-related fear, and disability in people with chronic low back pain.

    Methods: We searched the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, PEDro, CENTRAL, and CINAHL databases from inception until January 2024. Only randomized controlled trials assessing the effects of virtual reality–based training on individuals with chronic low back pain were selected. The outcomes were focused on pain, pain-related fear measured by the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, and disability measured by the Oswestry Disability Index. The immediate term was defined as the immediate period after intervention, and the short term was defined as 3 to 6 months after intervention. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach were used to evaluate the quality of the methodology and evidence, respectively.

    Results: In total, 20 randomized controlled trials involving 1059 patients were eligible for analysis. Virtual reality–based training showed significant improvements in pain (mean difference [MD] –1.43; 95% CI –1.86 to –1.00; I2=95%; P<.001), pain-related fear using the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (MD –5.46; 95% CI –9.40 to 1.52; I2=90%; P=.007), and disability using the Oswestry Disability Index (MD –11.50; 95% CI –20.00 to –3.01; I2=95%; P=.008) in individuals with chronic low back pain immediately after interventions. However, there were no significant differences observed in pain (P=.16), pain-related fear (P=.10), and disability (P=.43) in the short term.

    Conclusions: These findings indicated that virtual reality–based training can be used effectively for individuals with chronic low back pain in the immediate term, especially to reduce pain, alleviate pain-related fear, and improve disability. However, the short-term benefits need more high-quality trials to be demonstrated.

    Trial Registration: PROSPERO CRD42021292633; http://tinyurl.com/25mydxpz

    J Med Internet Res 2024;26:e45406

    doi:10.2196/45406

    Keywords

    virtual reality; low back pain; chronic; rehabilitation; exercise 


    Low back pain is a common musculoskeletal symptom influenced by complex interactions among biological, psychological, and social factors [1-3]. With more than 568 million people experiencing low back pain globally, it has become the leading cause of years lived with disability worldwide [4,5]. Low back pain is defined by the location of pain, typically between the lower rib margins and the buttock creases [6]. Once the symptom persists for more than 3 months, it can be considered as chronic low back pain. Chronic low back pain may be accompanied by fear avoidance and dysfunction. Research has suggested that individuals who hold negative beliefs about their pain or their condition may experience an exaggerated fear of pain and the potential negative consequences of their symptoms. This fear can lead to a cycle of catastrophizing thoughts, pain-related fear, and avoidance of movements that they perceive as potentially painful or harmful [7]. Furthermore, fear avoidance and catastrophizing thoughts are considered catalysts for chronicity, resulting in prolonged recovery and increased disability rates [8].

    Given the impaired physical function, quality of life, and even social participation from chronic low back pain [9], it is a global priority to establish an effective treatment [6,10,11]. Multicomponent exercises are frequently prescribed by physicians for chronic low back pain, as recommended by clinical practice guidelines and established by randomized controlled trials (RCTs) [12-16]. Exercises encompass a diverse set of components including specific activities, postures, or movements (or all) [17]. It is reported that exercises may benefit patients with chronic low back pain by improving muscle strength and movement and enhancing postural musculature, stability, and coordination, or a combination of these factors [18]. Among the various exercises available, virtual reality–based training is becoming increasingly popular for the treatment of chronic low back pain [19-22]. It refers to digital training via computer-generated realities implemented with stereoscopic displays [23,24]. In addition, virtual reality–based training has been shown to reduce the focus on pain by dividing attention to tasks [25,26] and increase the motivation of movement through progressive achievement [27-29].

    Two systematic reviews suggested that virtual reality–based training had a positive effect on improving pain intensity [30] and fear avoidance [31] in people with low back pain, while other systematic reviews indicated that the effectiveness of virtual reality–based training was inconclusive [32,33]. To our knowledge, evidence on the immediate-, short-, and long-term benefits of virtual reality–based training in patients with chronic low back pain does not exist as well. The evidence on the potential effectiveness of virtual reality–based training for chronic low back pain is still controversial and deficient. Therefore, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the immediate-term and short-term efficacy of virtual reality–based training for chronic low back pain.


    Design

    This systematic review and meta-analysis followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) [34] and PRISMA 2020 guidelines (Multimedia Appendix 1) [35] and was performed following a protocol registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021292633).

    Search Strategy

    Two reviewers (RL and YL) independently searched the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, PEDro, CENTRAL, and CINAHL databases from inception until January 2024. Low back pain and virtual reality were searched as keywords. The full search strategy is described in Multimedia Appendix 2. The bibliographic references of the included studies and previous systematic reviews were also checked to identify additional trials.

    Study Selection

    Studies concerning the effects of virtual reality involving individuals with low back pain were included in this systematic review. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) RCTs of parallel groups, (2) participants experiencing chronic low back pain, (3) virtual reality as intervention, (4) studies assessed clinical outcomes (eg, pain, pain-related fear, or disability), and (5) duration of intervention ≥8 sessions. The exclusion criteria were as follows: (1) reviews, case reports, and conference abstracts; (2) studies without enough information for data analysis; and (3) studies not written in English. The detailed inclusion and exclusion criteria are shown in Textbox 1.

    Textbox 1. The inclusion and exclusion criteria.

    Inclusion criteria

    • Paper type: randomized controlled trials of parallel groups
    • Study subjects: participants with chronic low back pain (3 months or more)
    • Interventions: virtual reality–based training as intervention alone or in combination with physical therapy, irregular of virtual reality devices; the duration of intervention is ≥8 sessions
    • Outcomes: at least 1 of the following outcome measurements: pain (Visual Analog Scale, Numerical Rating Scale, and Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale), pain-related fear (Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia), or disability (Oswestry Disability Index)
    • Language: written in English

    Exclusion criteria

    • Paper type: reviews, case reports, and conference abstracts
    • Study subjects: participants with other pain or low back pain lasting for less than 3 months
    • Interventions: no interventions involved virtual reality
    • Outcomes: without the required outcomes or no available data and not enough information for analysis
    • Language: non-English publications

    Outcome Measures

    The outcomes were focused on pain, pain-related fear, and disability. The pain intensity was measured by the Visual Analog Scale, Numerical Rating Scale, and Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale, which have demonstrated strong validity and reliability in clinical and research settings [36-39]. The pain-related fear was measured by the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, which is frequently used in patients with back pain [40,41]. As for the functional disability, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was used [42].

    Data Extraction

    Two reviewers (RL and YL) independently extracted the main information for the included studies using a standard extraction spreadsheet (Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Corp). A third reviewer (YK) was consulted if the initial reviewers (RL and YL) disagreed. The detailed characteristics of the selected studies were summarized, which included study characteristics (author, year of publication, country, sample size, and follow-up points), population characteristics (gender, age, and pain duration), intervention characteristics (type, frequency, and duration), and outcome measurements (pain, pain-related fear, and disability).

    Quality Assessment

    The quality of RCTs was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool [43], which consists of 5 domains and an overall judgment. The 5 domains include randomization process, deviations from intended interventions, missing outcome data, measurement of the outcome, and selection of the reported result. Based on the answers to a series of signaling questions, the judgment options in each domain consist of “low risk of bias,” “some concerns,” and “high risk of bias.” Two independent researchers (RL and HL) assessed the quality of each eligible study. Disagreements in the data were settled by consensus.

    We used the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach to assess the quality of evidence, which is rated as high, moderate, low, and very low [44]. The quality of RCTs is initially considered high and then downgraded based on risk of bias, imprecision, inconsistency, indirectness, and publication bias [45-49].

    Statistical Analysis

    This meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager (version 5.30; Cochrane Collaboration), and all extracted data were input and checked by the reviewers (RL, YL, and YK). Mean differences (MDs) were calculated with the 95% CIs using the inverse variance method, when the outcomes were evaluated with the same scale. The chi-square test and inconsistency (I2) were used to calculate statistical heterogeneity. The random effect model was used when I2>50%; otherwise, the fixed-effect model was used. Statistical differences by meta-analysis were identified as P<.05. Furthermore, the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was taken into consideration in this study, and the standard was established according to a previous report.

    Subgroup analyses comparing the efficacy of virtual reality on pain, pain-related fear, and disability were performed for immediate-term and short-term outcomes separately. The immediate term was defined as the immediate period after intervention, and the short term was defined as 3 to 6 months after intervention.


    Study Selection and Characteristics

    The initial search procedure yielded 583 records in total, 294 of which were removed due to duplication. After the screening process, 20 studies were selected for this systematic review and meta-analysis (Figure 1). The 20 papers included 1059 individuals diagnosed with chronic low back pain. The characteristics (sample size, gender, interventions, exposures, and outcome measurements) of the involved studies were summarized (Table 1). All studies had an RCT design: 7 used a 3-arm parallel-group design [21,50-55], and 1 used a 4-arm parallel-group design [56]. Of the included papers, 4 studies involved only female patients [20,22,57,58], and 6 studies involved only male patients [52-56,59].

    ‎
    Figure 1. Flowchart showing the study selection process. RCT: randomized controlled trial.
    Table 1. Characteristics of the included studies.
    Study (year)CountrySample sizeGenderMean age (years)Pain duration (months)InterventionExposureOutcome measuresFollow-up points
    Afzal et al (2022) [19]Pakistan
    • Expa: 42
    • Conb: 42
    • Male: 28
    • Female: 56
    • Exp: 38.2
    • Con: 37.5
    		—c
    • Exp: Virtual reality–based exercises via kinetic exergames+physical therapy
    • Con: Back strengthening exercises+physical therapy
    		12 sessions; 3 times per weekVASd; ODIe4 weeks
    Eccleston et al (2022) [50]Finland
    • Exp1: 14
    • Exp2: 17
    • Con: 11
    • Male: 5
    • Female: 37
    • Exp1: 55.14
    • Exp2: 52.76
    • Con: 57.09
    • >6
    • Exp1: Virtual reality–based cognitive behavioral intervention via Oculus Quest and Touch virtual reality headset and handheld controllers
    • Exp2: Viewed text-based cognitive behavioral intervention via Oculus Quest and Touch virtual reality headset
    • Con: Standard care
    		30 sessions; 5 times per week; 15-60 minutes per sessionNRSf; ODI; PROMISg 6b; TSKh; pain medications; EuroQoL-5D-5Li; adverse events; PGICj; Game Experience Questionnaire9 weeks, 5 months
    Garcia et al (2021) [60]United States
    • Exp: 94
    • Con: 94
    • Male: 43
    • Female: 144
    • Exp: 52.1
    • Con: 51.3
    • ≥6
    • Exp: Virtual reality–based cognitive behavioral therapy via Pico G2 4K head-mounted virtual reality device (3D visual displays)
    • Con: Sham virtual reality–based cognitive behavioral therapy via Pico G2 4K head-mounted virtual reality device
    		56 sessions; 7 times per week; 2-16 minutes per sessionDVPRSk; DVPRS-II; PSEQl-2; PGIC; PROMIS 6b and 6a; PCSm; CPAQ-8n8 weeks, 3 months, 6 months
    Groenveld et al (2023) [61]Netherlands
    • Exp: 20
    • Con: 20
    • Male: 7
    • Female: 33
    • Exp: 51
    • Con: 52
    • Exp: 5
    • Con: 4
    • Exp: Virtual reality–based exercises via an Oculus Go head-mounted display
    • Con: Daily life routines
    		60 sessions; 3 times per day; 10-30 minutes per sessionSF-12o; VAS; PCS; HADSp; ODI; PCCLq; NEADLr; BPIs4 weeks, 4 months
    Kim et al (2014) [20]South Korea
    • Exp: 15
    • Con: 15
    • Male: 0
    • Female: 30
    • Exp: 44.33
    • Con: 50.46
    		—
    • Exp: Virtual reality–based yoga program via Wii Fit activities
    • Con: Trunk stabilizing exercise+physical therapy program
    		12 sessions; 3 times per week; 30 minutes per sessionVAS; pressure algometry; ODI; RMDQt; FABQu4 weeks
    Kim et al (2020) [62]South Korea
    • Exp: 24
    • Con: 24
    • Male: 26
    • Female: 22
    • Exp: 26.0
    • Con: 28.79
    • Exp: 58.22
    • Con: 101.55
    • Exp: Virtual reality–based simulated horseback riding
    • Con: Stabilization exercise via suspension
    		16 sessions; 2 times per week; 46 minutes per sessionNRS; ODI; RMDQ; FABQ4 weeks, 8 weeks, 6 months
    Li et al (2021) [51]China
    • Exp1: 11
    • Exp2: 12
    • Con: 11
    • Male: 9
    • Female: 25
    • Exp1: 21.91
    • Exp2: 23.75
    • Con: 25.36
    • Exp1: 30.18
    • Exp2: 38.83
    • Con: 49.82
    • Exp1: Virtual reality–based Fruit Ninja game via Kinect Xbox 360+magnetic therapy
    • Exp2: Ultrasound-guided abdominal drawing-in maneuver training+magnetic therapy
    • Con: Conventional thermal magnetic therapy
    		10 sessions; 5 times per week; 30 minutes per sessionVAS; ODI; sEMGv2 weeks
    Meinke et al (2022) [63]Switzerland
    • Exp: 13
    • Con: 14
    • Male: 10
    • Female: 17
    • Exp: 40.14
    • Con: 40.85
    		—
    • Exp: Virtual reality–based exergame via 2 inertial measurement units
    • Con: Daily life routines
    		9 sessions; 3 times per week; 20 minutes per sessionNRS; TSK; RMDQ; WHOQOL-Brefw3 weeks
    Monteiro-Junior et al (2015) [57]Brazil
    • Exp: 16
    • Con: 14
    • Male: 0
    • Female: 30
    • 68
    		—
    • Exp: Virtual reality–based physical training via Nintendo Wii-motion and WBBx+core and strength training
    • Con: Core and strength training
    		24 sessions; 3 times per week; 90 minutes per sessionNRS; WBB; sit-to-stand test; POMSy8 weeks
    Nambi et al (2020) [54]Saudi Arabia
    • Exp1: 15
    • Exp2: 15
    • Con: 15
    • Male: 45
    • Female: 0
    • Exp1: 21.25
    • Exp2: 20.23
    • Con: 20.78
    • Exp1: 4.1
    • Exp2: 4.1
    • Con: 4.3
    • Exp1: Virtual reality–based-balance training via Pro-Kin system PK 252 N
    • Exp2: Balance training via Swiss ball
    • Con: Conventional balance training via active isotonic and isometric exercise
    		20 sessions; 5 times per week; 30 minutes per sessionVAS; player wellness; sprint performance; jump performance4 weeks, 8 weeks, 6 months
    Nambi et al (2021) [55]Saudi Arabia
    • Exp1: 20
    • Exp2: 20
    • Con: 20
    • Male: 60
    • Female: 0
    • Exp1: 21.45
    • Exp2: 21.39
    • Con: 20.97
    • Exp1: 4.8
    • Exp2: 5.2
    • Con: 4.9
    • Exp1: Virtual reality training via firing game
    • Exp2: Core stabilization training via therapeutic ball
    • Con: Traditional active balance exercise
    		20 sessions; 5 times per week; 30 minutes per sessionNRS; physical fitness index; sprint performance; jump performance4 weeks, 8 weeks, 6 months
    Nambi et al (2021) [53]Saudi Arabia
    • Exp1: 18
    • Exp2: 18
    • Con: 18
    • Male: 54
    • Female: 0
    • Exp1: 22.3
    • Exp2: 21.4
    • Con: 21.9
    • Exp1: 5.4
    • Exp2: 5.3
    • Con: 5.5
    • Exp1: Virtual reality training+hot pack therapy+ultrasound
    • Exp2: Isokinetic training+hot pack therapy+ultrasound
    • Con: Conventional core training+hot pack therapy+ultrasound
    		20 sessions; 5 times per week; 30 minutes per sessionVAS; TSK; blood serum level of stress hormones4 weeks, 6 months
    Nambi et al (2021) [52]Saudi Arabia
    • Exp1: 20
    • Exp2: 20
    • Con: 20
    • Male: 60
    • Female: 0
    • Exp1: 23.2
    • Exp2: 22.8
    • Con: 23.3
    • Exp1: 5.8
    • Exp2: 5.2
    • Con: 5.4
    • Exp1: Virtual reality training+hot pack therapy+ultrasound
    • Exp2: Isokinetic training+hot pack therapy+ultrasound
    • Con: Conventional core training+hot pack therapy+ultrasound
    		20 sessions; 5 times per week; 30 minutes per sessionVAS; TSK; blood serum level of stress hormones4 weeks, 6 months
    Oh et al (2014) [56]South Korea
    • Exp1: 9
    • Exp2: 9
    • Exp3: 10
    • Con: 9
    • Male: 37
    • Female: 0
    • Exp1: 20.7
    • Exp2: 20.56
    • Exp3: 20.33
    • Con: 20.44
    • Exp1: 6.38
    • Exp2: 6.21
    • Exp3: 7.57
    • Con: 6.75
    • Exp1: Virtual reality training via horse simulator machine for 10 minutes
    • Exp2: Virtual reality training via horse simulator machine for 20 minutes
    • Exp3: Virtual reality training via horse simulator machine for 30 minutes
    • Con: Daily life routines
    		40 sessions; 5 times per week; 15-35 minutes per sessionVAS; body composition; isokinetic trunk and hip extension or flexion and hip abduction or adduction8 weeks
    Park et al (2013) [21]South Korea
    • Exp1: 8
    • Exp2: 8
    • Con: 8
    		—
    • Exp1: 44.12
    • Exp2: 43.37
    • Con: 44.12
    • Exp1: 17.0
    • Exp2: 16.0
    • Con: 18.75
    • Exp1: Virtual reality–based training via Nintendo Wii program+physical therapy
    • Exp2: Lumbar stabilization exercise+physical therapy
    • Con: Physical therapy (eg, hot pack, interferential current therapy, and deep heat with ultrasound)
    		24 sessions; 3 times per week; 80 minutes per sessionVAS; isometric lifting strength for back strength; 1-legged Stand Test for balance ability; RAND-36z; SF-36aa8 weeks
    Park et al (2020) [58]South Korea
    • Exp: 40
    • Con: 40
    • Male: 0
    • Female: 80
    • Exp: 71.35
    • Con: 72.05
    • Exp: 23.61
    • Con: 22.10
    • Exp: Virtual reality–based training via equestrian simulator
    • Con: Sitting on the equestrian simulator
    		36 sessions; 3 times per week; 30 minutes per sessionVAS; ODI; body composition; isokinetic trunk extension and flexion; spinal alignment12 weeks
    Yalfani et al (2022) [22]Japan
    • Exp: 13
    • Con: 12
    • Male: 0
    • Female: 25
    • Exp: 68
    • Con: 67.08
    • >6
    • Exp: Virtual reality–based training via Xbox Kinect headset
    • Con: Daily life routines
    		24 sessions; 3 times per week; 30 minutes per sessionVAS; SF-36; FRIab; BBSac2 weeks
    Yilmaz Yelvar et al (2017) [64]Iran
    • Exp: 22
    • Con: 22
    • Male: 16
    • Female: 28
    • Exp: 46.27
    • Con: 52.81
    • Exp: 5.27
    • Con: 7.45
    • Exp: Virtual walking task via Vita Digital Productions+physical therapy
    • Con: Physical therapy (eg, hot pack, TENSad, deep heat with ultrasound, and therapeutic exercises)
    		10 sessions; 5 times per weekVAS; TSK; ODI; Nottingham Health Profile; TUGae; 6MWTaf; single-leg balance test2 weeks
    Yoo et al (2014) [59]South Korea
    • Exp: 24
    • Con: 23
    • Male: 47
    • Female: 0
    • Exp: 20.44
    • Con: 20.7
    • Exp: 9.41
    • Con: 8.35
    • Exp: Virtual reality–based training via horse simulator
    • Con: Daily life routines
    		24 sessions; 3 times per week; 20-50 minutes per sessionVAS; body composition; isokinetic trunk strength8 weeks
    Zadro et al (2019) [65]Turkey
    • Exp: 30
    • Con: 30
    • Male: 29
    • Female: 31
    • Exp: 68.8
    • Con: 67.8
    • >3
    • Exp: Video game home-based exercise via Nintendo Wii U console
    • Con: Daily life routines
    		24 sessions; 3 times per week; 60 minutes per sessionNRS; TSK; PSEQ; 3-item questionnaire; Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity questionnaire; PSFSag; RMDQ; 16-item Falls Efficacy Scale-International Questionnaire8 weeks

    aExp: experimental group.

    bCon: control group.

    cNot available.

    dVAS: Visual Analog Scale.

    eODI: Oswestry Disability Index.

    fNRS: Numerical Rating Scale.

    gPROMIS: Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System.

    hTSK: Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia.

    iEuroQoL-5D-5L: European Quality of Life 5-dimension, 5-level scale.

    jPGIC: Patient’s Global Impression of Change.

    kDVPRS: Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale.

    lPSEQ: Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire.

    mPCS: Pain Catastrophizing Scale.

    nCPAQ-8: Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire.

    oSF-12: 12-item Short-Form Health Survey.

    pHADS: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

    qPCCL: Pain Coping and Cognition List.

    rNEADL: Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living.

    sBPI: Brief Pain Inventory.

    tRMDQ: Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire.

    uFABQ: Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire.

    vsEMG: surface electromyography.

    wWHOQOL-Brief: World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire-short version.

    xWBB: Wii Balance Board.

    yPOMS: Profile of Mood States.

    zRAND-36: RAND-36 Health Status Inventory.

    aaSF-36: 36-item Short-Form Health Survey.

    abFRI: Fall Risk Index.

    acBBS: Biodex Balance System.

    adTENS: transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.

    aeTUG: Timed Up and Go Test.

    af6MWT: 6-Minute Walk Test.

    agPSFS: Patient-Specific Functional Scale.

    Risk of Bias

    In total, 20 studies were considered as having some concerns in overall bias, 2 as having a high risk of bias [20,21], and 1 as having a low risk of bias [19] (Figure 2 [19-22,50-65]). Due to the nature and setting of the intervention, it was not possible to blind the patients or therapists delivering the intervention, leading to some concerns in the second domain (deviations from the intended intervention). There was a high risk of bias regarding the measurement of outcome because of insufficient information on blinded assessment [20,21]. Baseline between intervention groups had significant differences in 2 studies [64,65].

    ‎
    Figure 2. Risk-of-bias graph and summary.

    Outcomes

    Pain

    All studies investigated the efficacy of virtual reality on pain using the Visual Analog Scale, Numerical Rating Scale, and Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale on a scale from 0 to 10. In total, 19 RCTs provided available data that were pooled into a meta-analysis (Figure 3 [19-22,50-60,62-65]). There were statistically significant differences between virtual reality–based training and conventional treatments for pain reduction in the immediate term (MD –1.43; 95% CI –1.86 to –1.00; I2=95%; P<.001) but not in the short term (MD –0.57; 95% CI –1.36 to 0.22; I2=99%; P=.16). Both did not reach an MCID at the level of 2.5 [66,67].

    ‎
    Figure 3. Forest plots for virtual reality–based training compared with controls in pain. IV: inverse variance.
    Pain-Related Fear

    In total, 6 studies investigated the efficacy of virtual reality–based training on pain-related fear using the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (Figure 4 [50,52,53,63-65]). Virtual reality–based training showed significant improvements in individuals with chronic low back pain in the immediate term (MD –5.46; 95% CI –9.40 to –1.52; I2=90%; P=.007), while it did not show statistically significant differences in the short term (MD –5.66; 95% CI –12.34 to 1.01; I2=96%; P=.10). The difference in the immediate- and short-term performance was extremely close to an MCID at the level of 5.5 [68].

    ‎
    Figure 4. Forest plots for virtual reality–based training compared with controls in pain-related fear. IV: inverse variance.
    Disability

    In total, 8 studies investigated the efficacy of virtual reality–based training on disability using the ODI (Figure 5 [19,20,50,51,58,61,62,64]). There were statistically significant differences between virtual reality–based training and conventional treatments in terms of the ODI in the immediate term (MD –11.50; 95% CI –20.00 to –3.01; I2=95%; P=.008) but not in the short term (MD –1.28; 95% CI –4.47 to 1.90; I2=0%; P=.43). Only the immediate-term outcome did reach an MCID at the level of 10 [66,69].

    ‎
    Figure 5. Forest plots for virtual reality–based training compared with controls in disability. IV: inverse variance.

    Quality of Evidence

    The quality of evidence ranged from low to very low due to the risk of bias, imprecision, and inconsistency of included trials (Table 2). None were downgraded because of indirectness and publication bias.

    Table 2. Summary of the findings and level of certainty using GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation).
    Time point and outcomesRisk of biasInconsistencyIndirectnessImprecisionPublication biasParticipants, nRCTa, nMean difference (95% CI)Certainty
    Immediate term

    		PainSeriousbSeriouscNot seriousNot seriousNot serious87919–1.43 (–1.86 to –1.00)
    Low

    		Pain-related fearSeriousbSeriouscNot seriousSeriousdNot serious2296–5.46 (–9.40 to –1.52)
    Very low

    		DisabilitySeriousbSeriouscNot seriousSeriousdNot serious3778–11.50 (–20.00 to –3.01)
    Very low
    Short term

    		Pain-related fearSeriousbSeriouscNot seriousSeriousdNot serious1063–5.66 (–12.34 to 1.01)
    Very low

    		PainSeriousbSeriouscNot seriousSeriousdNot serious3937–0.57 (–1.36 to 0.22)
    Very low

    		DisabilitySeriousbNot seriousNot seriousSeriousdNot serious963–1.28 (–4.47 to 1.90)
    Low

    aRCT: randomized controlled trial.

    bDowngrade due to the majority of trials rated as some concerns.

    cDowngrade due to I2 statistics >50%.

    dDowngrade due to pooled sample sizes <400.


    Principal Findings

    This systematic review and meta-analysis, based on 20 RCTs, aimed to assess the available evidence on the efficacy of virtual reality–based training for people with chronic low back pain. The findings indicated that virtual reality–based training appeared to be an effective method of improving pain, pain-related fear, and disability immediately after intervention. However, current evidence failed to support the effectiveness of virtual reality–based training in the short term.

    Virtual reality–based training has demonstrated efficacy in pain reduction for people with chronic low back pain [30,70]. However, our pooled results showed only a statistically significant reduction in pain immediately after interventions but not in the short term, which is consistent with previous studies [71-73]. In this study, there were no clinically significant differences between the immediate- and short-term performance. This may be explained by the fact that the virtual reality environment contributes to distraction from pain-related information [74,75]. However, once they gradually return to routines, the attention bias to pain might develop more often than being immersed in a virtual reality environment. This is supported by the finding that patients with chronic pain may less easily distract from the pain [76,77] due to higher levels of attention bias to pain [78].

    Pain-related fear can activate the avoidance of movement, leading to the progression of disability [1]. In this study, we found that virtual reality–based training was superior to improve pain-related fear immediately after interventions, which is consistent with the effect on disability for individuals with chronic low back pain. It is worth noting that fear avoidance limits the opportunity to attune expectations to actual experiences, leading to long-term disability [79]. Consequently, with the alleviation of pain-related fear, individuals with chronic low back pain may be willing to pursue a positive experience, which is helpful to increase the level of physical activity. Although the large difference in the efficacy on pain-related fear in the short term indicated clinically important results but not statistically significant results, it should be interpreted cautiously due to the very low quality of evidence. Furthermore, the efficacy of virtual reality–based training on disability in the short term is also with low evidence. More high-quality RCTs are urgently needed for future research.

    Strengths and Limitations

    This systematic review and meta-analysis conducted a thorough screening and search strategy in 6 important databases. Additionally, this study focused on RCTs to reinforce the evidence of pooled results. We also used the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and the GRADE approach to rate the quality of the included studies and evidence, respectively. However, the potential limitations in this study need to be mentioned. First, high heterogeneity was presented in this meta-analysis due to the variety of sample size, intervention items, frequency, duration, and control items. Second, the study population varied from each other, especially age and gender. Third, there were only data on short-term outcomes (3 to 6 months after interventions), and no available data on the mid- or long-term (more than 6 months) effects of virtual reality–based training for participants with chronic low back pain. These findings indicated that more studies are required to strengthen the evidence.

    Implications for Clinical Practice and Future Research

    Despite the low level of certainty, these findings may provide important implications for health care professionals. In clinical practice, the virtual reality–based training may be recommended for patients with chronic low back pain in order to distract and reduce the focus on pain. However, the persistence of efficacy needs to be considered when applying virtual reality–based training. Based on the present evidence in this study, it may be even better for immediate effects. Furthermore, the virtual reality–based training should be tailored to the needs and characteristics of patients in order to optimize the performance and maintain the efficacy. Future research should focus on different types of virtual reality, intervention parameters (eg, types, frequency, intensity, and time), and different population. These issues require further refinement through larger sample sizes, longer intervention duration, and longer follow-ups. In addition, it is urgent to explore the feasibility of virtual reality–based training in different socioeconomic contexts to ensure broader and cost-effective access to this type of intervention.

    Conclusions

    In general, these findings support that virtual reality–based training is a promising treatment strategy for individuals with chronic low back pain immediately after interventions, especially to alleviate pain, pain-related fear, and disability. However, there is still not sufficient evidence to suggest that virtual reality–based training is effective in chronic low back pain in the short term. More high-quality RCTs are required to find short- and long-term benefits and to obtain more robust evidence.

    Acknowledgments

    All authors thank the authors who conducted the clinical trials included in our systematic review for their efforts. This work was supported by National Key R&D Program of China (grants 2020YFC2008500 and 2020YFC2008502); National Natural Science Foundation of China (grants 81572231 and 82172534); and 1·3·5 Project for Disciplines of Excellence, West China Hospital, Sichuan University (grant ZYJC21038).

    Data Availability

    The data sets generated and analyzed during this study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

    Authors' Contributions

    RL and QW contributed to the conception and design of the study. RL, YL, YK, and HL completed the search, study selection, and data extraction. RL, DH, and CF analyzed the data and drafted the paper. All authors have approved the final version of the paper.

    Conflicts of Interest

    None declared.

    Multimedia Appendix 1

    PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) checklist.

    DOCX File , 41 KB
    Multimedia Appendix 2

    Search strategy for PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, CENTRAL, and Web of Science.

    DOCX File , 23 KB
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    ‎
    GRADE: Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation
    MCID: minimal clinically important difference
    MD: mean difference
    ODI: Oswestry Disability Index
    PRISMA: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses
    RCT: randomized controlled trial

    Edited by A Mavragani; submitted 29.12.22; peer-reviewed by A Ollevier, MR Underwood; comments to author 21.03.23; revised version received 16.04.23; accepted 29.01.24; published 26.02.24.

    Copyright

    ©Ran Li, Yinghao Li, Youli Kong, Hanbin Li, Danrong Hu, Chenying Fu, Quan Wei. Originally published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (https://www.jmir.org), 26.02.2024.

    This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work, first published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, is properly cited. The complete bibliographic information, a link to the original publication on https://www.jmir.org/, as well as this copyright and license information must be included.