Effectiveness of Virtual Reality in Patients With Chronic Neck Pain

Investigation of the Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Applications in Addition to Exercise Program in People With Chronic Neck Pain

Virtual reality application has been increasing in recent years for pain control, distraction in wound care, treatment of anxiety disorders and support for physical rehabilitation. For example, it has been found to be effective in reducing pain when used in addition to medical treatment during bandaging of severe burns. The studies related with chronic pain patients were stated that virtual reality application was found to be interactive and fun by patients. Therefore, The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of virtual reality on pain threshold, disability, balance, proprioception, exercise sustainability, muscular performance in neck region, quality of life and anxiety / depression in addition to the exercise program that includes stabilization exercises in patients with chronic neck pain.

Inclusion Criteria:

• to have pain more than 3 months,
• to be sedentary,
• to have Neck Disability Index score more than 10.

Exclusion Criteria:

• to have neurological deficits, vestibular pathology, history of surgery.