Development and validation of Virtual Reality-based rehabilitation for chronic low back pain patients

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K19330
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 59010:Rehabilitation science-related
• Research Institution: Osaka Kawasaki Rehabilitation University
• Principal Investigator: Imai Ryota 大阪河崎リハビリテーション大学, リハビリテーション学部, 講師 (40823240)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 慢性腰痛 / Virtual Reality / 運動恐怖

Outline of Final Research Achievements

A novel apparatus capable of quantifying the lumbar region's range of motion and movement velocity has been devised utilizing virtual reality (VR). The assessment criteria were utilized to ascertain the extent of physical mobility, while a software application was developed to facilitate therapeutic exercises through a VR gaming interface. Following its application to patients suffering from chronic low back pain, a notable reduction in not only pain intensity but also fear and catastrophic ideation was observed. Furthermore, patients who had experienced decreased productivity as a consequence of chronic low back pain demonstrated substantial improvement upon implementation of this approach.

Free Research Field

リハビリテーション

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

慢性腰痛を罹患している人は非常に多いため，家庭内で気軽にできる運動療法は必須である．しかしながら，運動が重要であることが理解できていても運動頻度が高くなることはない．その点で，VRはゲーミフィケーションの要素もあり，楽しく運動を実施できる．また，VRは家庭内でも使用が可能であり，社会的意義は高いと考える．