VIRTUAL REALITY IN CERVICAL RADICULOPATHY PATIENTS

EFFECT OF IMMERSIVE VIRTUAL REALITY ON PAIN, PROPIOCEPTION AND BALANCE IN CERVICAL RADICULOPATHY PATIENTS

PURPOSE: to investigate the effect of immersive virtual reality on pain, proprioception, and balance in cervical radiculopathy patients BACKGROUND: Cervical radiculopathy (CSR) is a disabling condition that significantly impairs a person's ability to function physically, The application of virtual reality (VR) in rehabilitation therapy offers new possibilities. In addition to the neck-specific sensorimotor training, which appears to improve neck mobility.

Fourty two participants with unilateral cervical radiculopathy. from both sexes were participated in this study. The patients were randomly divided into two equal groups; Study group (22 patients): received the selected physical therapy program in addition to virtual reality using Oculus glasses. (22 patients): received receive a selected physical therapy program only (Therapeutic Ultrasound device, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and Hot packs) (12 sessions) three times per week. The evaluation methods by VR ,CROM Device ,Neck disability scale, VAS, joint position error test .

Inclusion Criteria:

• Fourty two participants with unilateral cervical radiculopathy.
• Participants are complaining of neck pain radiating unilaterally down to one arm.
• Their ages range from 35-50 years.
• They are referred by a neurologist with a diagnosis of unilateral cervical radiculopathy.

Exclusion Criteria:

• 1) Cervical myelopathy. 2) Patients with previous cervical surgery. 3) Inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis 4) Any other musculoskeletal disorders of the spine or upper extremity.