Immersive Healing: Virtual Reality Embodiment Videos and Chronic Pain Reduction in Hand Osteoarthritis
Authors:
David Vo, OT/s, Robert Edwards, PhD, Nancy Baker, OT, ScD, MPH, FAOTA
Abstract:
Virtual reality (VR) is a tool that healthcare professionals can use as a cost-effective, minimally invasive, nonpharmacological treatment for pain. There is still limited research on understanding the effects of 360-degree spherical video-based virtual reality (SVVR) in managing chronic pain. This present study aims to evaluate the effects of embodiment-inducing SVVR on pain reduction in adults with hand osteoarthritis through a within-subjects pre-post (n=10) and single-subject ABA design (n=2). Results from the pre-post study reveal a significant analgesic effects during (p= .02) and immediately after (p= .01) the SVVR intervention, with no significance sustaining toward the end of the visit (p= .16). Results from the single-subject study reveal significant analgesic effects for one participant (p= .002) but not for the other (p= .51).
Key Words:
Virtual Reality, Embodiment, Pain