Efficiency of immersive virtual reality game technology on pain management in children with limb fractures: A randomized controlled trial.

Abstract

Background: Children with fractured limbs usually have moderate to high pain, and distraction can help reduce their pain and anxiety. Virtual reality technology is an emerging method of distraction. We investigated whether the use of immersive virtual reality gaming technology to treat perioperative pain in children with school-age limb fractures effectively.

Method: Ninty-nine patients who had limb fracture surgery between October 2021 and September 2022 were randomly assigned to receive immersive virtual reality game therapy (Group A), non-immersive virtual reality game therapy (Group B), or conventional treatment group (Group C). Changes in pain, anxiety, fear, and biochemical markers were assessed at various time points in the three groups using subjective and objective rating scales.

Results: Both Group A and Group B consistently showed lower pain scores, fear levels, and anxiety levels compared to Group C after surgery, statistical analysis revealed significant differences among the three groups (p < 0.001). Additionally,serum levels in group A were significantly lower than those in other groups, showing a notable statistical discrepancy (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Both immersive and non-immersive virtual reality gaming significantly reduce perioperative pain, fear, and anxiety in children with limb fractures, and have practical significance for pain management of pediatric orthopedic patients. Immersive virtual reality, however, appears to have a more pronounced effect.

Clinical trial registration: The trial was registered prior to patient enrollment at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry(ChiCTR210004583).