Philip D Austin1, Philip J Siddall1,2. 1. Department of Pain Management, HammondCare, Greenwich Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. 2. Sydney Medical School-Northern, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Abstract
Context: Virtual and augmented imagery are emerging technologies with potential to reduce the severity and impact of neuropathic pain in people with spinal cord injury (SCI).Objective: We aimed to identify and discuss studies using virtual and augmented reality applications for the management of neuropathic pain in people with spinal cord injury.Methods (data sources, data extraction): A systematic literature search was conducted using PRISMA scoping review guidelines. Articles were searched in PubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases using search terms relating to SCI, virtual and augmented reality and neuropathic pain. With no strong evidence for visual imagery in the treatment of pain in SCI patients, we selected exploratory, feasibility and more rigorous methodologies such as randomized controlled trials and case-control studies. We only selected studies evaluating the effects of visual imagery on neuropathic pain at or below the spinal cord injury level. Results: Of 60 articles located, we included nine articles involving 207 participants. All studies were exploratory using head-mounted devices or 3D and 2D screens with virtual walking or limb movement imagery. Outcomes included pain sensitivity, motor function and body ownership. Eight of the nine studies reported significant reductions in neuropathic pain intensity. However, given small sample sizes in all studies, results may be unreliable. Conclusion: Although the number of studies and individual sample sizes are small, these initial findings are promising. Given the limited options available for the effective treatment of neuropathic SCI pain and early evidence of efficacy, they provide valuable incentive for further research.
Context: Virtual and augmented imagery are emerging technologies with potential to reduce the severity and impact of neuropathic pain in people with spinal cord injury (SCI).Objective: We aimed to identify and discuss studies using virtual and augmented reality applications for the management of neuropathic pain in people with spinal cord injury.Methods (data sources, data extraction): A systematic literature search was conducted using PRISMA scoping review guidelines. Articles were searched in PubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases using search terms relating to SCI, virtual and augmented reality and neuropathic pain. With no strong evidence for visual imagery in the treatment of pain in SCI patients, we selected exploratory, feasibility and more rigorous methodologies such as randomized controlled trials and case-control studies. We only selected studies evaluating the effects of visual imagery on neuropathic pain at or below the spinal cord injury level. Results: Of 60 articles located, we included nine articles involving 207 participants. All studies were exploratory using head-mounted devices or 3D and 2D screens with virtual walking or limb movement imagery. Outcomes included pain sensitivity, motor function and body ownership. Eight of the nine studies reported significant reductions in neuropathic pain intensity. However, given small sample sizes in all studies, results may be unreliable. Conclusion: Although the number of studies and individual sample sizes are small, these initial findings are promising. Given the limited options available for the effective treatment of neuropathic SCI pain and early evidence of efficacy, they provide valuable incentive for further research.
Authors: Susanna J Bantick; Richard G Wise; Alexander Ploghaus; Stuart Clare; Stephen M Smith; Irene Tracey Journal: Brain Date: 2002-02 Impact factor: 13.501
Authors: Catherine R Jutzeler; Eveline Huber; Martina F Callaghan; Roger Luechinger; Armin Curt; John L K Kramer; Patrick Freund Journal: Sci Rep Date: 2016-01-06 Impact factor: 4.379
Authors: Andrea C Tricco; Erin Lillie; Wasifa Zarin; Kelly K O'Brien; Heather Colquhoun; Danielle Levac; David Moher; Micah D J Peters; Tanya Horsley; Laura Weeks; Susanne Hempel; Elie A Akl; Christine Chang; Jessie McGowan; Lesley Stewart; Lisa Hartling; Adrian Aldcroft; Michael G Wilson; Chantelle Garritty; Simon Lewin; Christina M Godfrey; Marilyn T Macdonald; Etienne V Langlois; Karla Soares-Weiser; Jo Moriarty; Tammy Clifford; Özge Tunçalp; Sharon E Straus Journal: Ann Intern Med Date: 2018-09-04 Impact factor: 25.391
Authors: Carla Pais-Vieira; Pedro Gaspar; Demétrio Matos; Leonor Palminha Alves; Bárbara Moreira da Cruz; Maria João Azevedo; Miguel Gago; Tânia Poleri; André Perrotta; Miguel Pais-Vieira Journal: Front Hum Neurosci Date: 2022-05-20 Impact factor: 3.473
Authors: Susanne M van der Veen; Martine Bordeleau; Peter E Pidcoe; Chris R France; James S Thomas Journal: Sensors (Basel) Date: 2019-08-21 Impact factor: 3.576
Authors: Yvonne Tran; Philip Austin; Charles Lo; Ashley Craig; James W Middleton; Paul J Wrigley; Philip Siddall Journal: Sensors (Basel) Date: 2022-03-29 Impact factor: 3.576
Authors: Tristan J Philippe; Naureen Sikder; Anna Jackson; Maya E Koblanski; Eric Liow; Andreas Pilarinos; Krisztina Vasarhelyi Journal: JMIR Ment Health Date: 2022-05-12