Navigating Pain: Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Virtual Reality for Fibromyalgia Management
Virtual Reality in Fibromylagia Management
Keywords:
Fibromyalgia, Virtual Reality Therapy, Pain Management, KinesiophobiaAbstract
Background: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) affects a significant portion of the global population, predominantly women, with profound impacts on quality of life due to widespread pain and associated symptoms. Traditional treatments, while beneficial, may not fully address all aspects of the condition. Virtual Reality (VR) therapy offers a novel approach, leveraging immersive environments to distract from pain and improve patient engagement.
Methodology: This randomized controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of non-immersive VR therapy in managing FMS symptoms. Participants (n=52) were recruited from a tertiary care hospital and assigned to either VR therapy or standard care groups. Outcome measures included pain intensity, physical function (FIQ), and quality of life (SF-36), assessed at baseline, post-intervention (4 weeks), and follow-up (12 weeks).
Results: VR therapy significantly reduced pain intensity compared to standard care (mean difference -2.5, p<0.001). While improvements in physical function and quality of life were observed in the VR group, they were not statistically significant. Importantly, VR therapy effectively reduced kinesiophobia, demonstrating its potential to enhance patient participation in physical activities crucial for managing FMS.
Conclusion: VR therapy shows promise as a standalone treatment for reducing pain intensity and addressing kinesiophobia in FMS patients. Future research should focus on larger samples, longer follow-up periods, and standardized outcome measures to elucidate VR therapy's broader impacts on physical function and quality of life in fibromyalgia management.
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