Hippert, T.A. (Tessa) (2021) The Applicability of Virtual Reality in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis and Chronic Pain Complaints: A Mixed Methods Pilot Study. thesis, Medicine.
Full text available on request.Abstract
Background. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) often suffer from pain which in general can be effectively treated with drugs. However, some patients experience significant persisting pain. The aetiology of this pain can be due to central sensitization. Hence, therapy other than existing drugs may be more effective for this chronic pain. An emerging non-pharmacological treatment for pain is Virtual Reality (VR). This study aimed to investigate the applicability of VR for chronic pain management. Methods. 21 patients (16 female, 5 male) with RA and chronic pain complaints engaged in a VR experience. The Oculus Go VR-headset was used in combination with Reducept, a training application for chronic pain management. Virtual reality sickness symptoms were assessed both before and after the experiment with questionnaires. User experience was assessed using a combination of scale-based items and semi-close-ended/open ended questions. Pain was assessed before and after the experiment with questionnaires. To gain more knowledge of patients’ perspectives on the working mechanism of VR in-depth interviews were conducted. Results. VR generally has an acceptable tolerability and usability among patients with RA. Overall, participants demonstrated a positive attitude regarding VR. However, user experience may differ per patient. 13 out of 21 participants (62%) experienced an improved level of pain. According to patients the following mechanisms seem to be at work: relaxation, focus shifting/distraction, being actively involved and raised awareness. Conclusion. This study provides promising first implications for the applicability and preliminary efficacy for VR as a chronic pain management tool. Future (randomized controlled) studies involving larger samples are encouraged and needed to investigate whether there is a significant pain reduction.
| Item Type: | Thesis (UNSPECIFIED) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Vonkeman, dr. H.E. and Jong, A. de and Bode, C. |
| Faculty: | Medical Sciences |
| Date Deposited: | 07 Jan 2022 09:13 |
| Last Modified: | 07 Jan 2022 09:13 |
| URI: | https://umcg.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/2988 |
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