Effects of virtual reality-based neck-specific sensorimotor training in patients with chronic neck pain: A randomized controlled pilot trial

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effects of neck-specific sensorimotor training using a virtual reality device compared with 2 standard rehabilitation programmes: with, and without general sensorimotor training, in patients with non-traumatic chronic neck pain. Design: Pilot randomized control study. Patients and methods: A total of 51 participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: 1: control group; 2: sensorimotor group; 3: virtual reality group. All 3 groups received the clinic?s standard rehabilitation programme. Group 2 also received ?general sensori-motor training? in the form of group therapy, for a total of 120 min. Group 3 received additional virtual reality-based ?neck-specific sensorimotor training? for a total of 120 min. Participants? neck pain, head-aches, active cervical range of motion, and Neck Disability Index were determined before and after 3 weeks of intervention. Results: Compared with the control group, the virtual reality group showed significant (p?<?0.05) advantages in relief of headaches, and active cervical range of motion in flexion and extension. Com-pared with the sensorimotor group, the virtual reality group showed significant improvements in cervical extension. Conclusion: Virtual reality-based sensorimotor training may increase the effects of a standard rehabilitation programme for patients with non-traumatic chronic neck pain, especially active cervical range of motion in extension.