Randomized trial evaluates VR-enhanced physiotherapy effects on physical functioning in patients with severe CLBP, suggesting limited effectiveness.
Key Points
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of integrating virtual reality into physiotherapy for patients with severe chronic low back pain.
Conducted a cluster-RCT across Dutch physiotherapy practices.
Intervention group received 12 weeks of usual care with integrated, home-based VR focusing on pain education, exercise therapy, and relaxation.
Utilized linear mixed-effect models to analyze outcomes while accounting for clustering by practice.
No statistically or clinically significant differences in primary and secondary outcomes compared to control groups.
Intervention group showed greater improvements from baseline in physical functioning (42%) compared to VARIETY control group (26%).
Intervention was deemed feasible and safe for practice.