Philip D Austin1. 1. Department of Palliative Care, HammondCare, Greenwich Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Although virtual reality is shown to have short-term analgesic effects in acute pain settings, its long-term efficacy in chronic pain conditions has not been established. This scoping review aims to provide a summary of virtual reality approaches explored in chronic primary and secondary pain conditions as defined by the International Association for the Study of Pain. METHODS: A systematic literature search in Ovid PubMed and Ovid Embase was conducted between January 5 and January 10, 2021, with the use of the Arksey and O'Malley six-step scoping review criteria. Articles were searched via search terms and keywords relating to International Classification of Diseases-defined primary and secondary chronic pain conditions, virtual reality, virtual illusion, distraction, and effects on levels of pain. RESULTS: Of the 2,118 articles located, 44 were included, which covered a range of primary and secondary chronic pain conditions and used a variety of different computer screen and headset protocols, including gaming, mindfulness, exercise, relaxation, and proprioceptive skills. CONCLUSIONS: Studies show virtual reality to be an effective analgesic intervention for people with chronic pain. Given user satisfaction, a lack of side effects such as cybersickness, and relief of comorbid symptoms, virtual reality has potential as a worthwhile adjunct to chronic pain management programs, thus enabling patients to take control of their symptoms.
OBJECTIVE: Although virtual reality is shown to have short-term analgesic effects in acute pain settings, its long-term efficacy in chronic pain conditions has not been established. This scoping review aims to provide a summary of virtual reality approaches explored in chronic primary and secondary pain conditions as defined by the International Association for the Study of Pain. METHODS: A systematic literature search in Ovid PubMed and Ovid Embase was conducted between January 5 and January 10, 2021, with the use of the Arksey and O'Malley six-step scoping review criteria. Articles were searched via search terms and keywords relating to International Classification of Diseases-defined primary and secondary chronic pain conditions, virtual reality, virtual illusion, distraction, and effects on levels of pain. RESULTS: Of the 2,118 articles located, 44 were included, which covered a range of primary and secondary chronic pain conditions and used a variety of different computer screen and headset protocols, including gaming, mindfulness, exercise, relaxation, and proprioceptive skills. CONCLUSIONS: Studies show virtual reality to be an effective analgesic intervention for people with chronic pain. Given user satisfaction, a lack of side effects such as cybersickness, and relief of comorbid symptoms, virtual reality has potential as a worthwhile adjunct to chronic pain management programs, thus enabling patients to take control of their symptoms.
Authors: Lisa Goudman; Julie Jansen; Maxime Billot; Nieke Vets; Ann De Smedt; Manuel Roulaud; Philippe Rigoard; Maarten Moens Journal: JMIR Serious Games Date: 2022-05-10 Impact factor: 3.364