Experiences of using immersive virtual reality in people with spinal cord injury with neuropathic pain: a mixed methods study.

IF 2.2 4区医学 Q1 REHABILITATION

Disability and Rehabilitation Pub Date : 2026-10-01 Epub Date: 2026-03-25 DOI:10.1080/09638288.2026.2647655

Lee Helen Haifley, Christopher John Barr, Ruth Marshall, Maayken Elizabeth Louise van den Berg

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Purpose: Neuropathic pain (NP) is a common and particularly disabling type of pain experienced by those with spinal cord injury (SCI), significantly impacting on injury management and recovery. This study exposed people with NP due to SCI to immersive virtual reality (IVR) and evaluated their perceptions of pain management, level of engagement and practical end-user interface considerations.

Materials and methods: A single group mixed methods study. Participants took part in a single session of IVR using two different games from commercially available equipment, participated in semi-structured interviews which were thematically analysed, and reported their levels of pain pre and post exposure.

Results: Eleven people with SCI participated in the study. Three main themes were identified: immersive experiences, lived experiences and physical experiences. Qualitative findings indicate a high degree of acceptability and perceived effectiveness for short-term pain management. Participants reported an average reduction in NPRS score from 4.27 ± 1.79 pre-exposure to 2.91 ± 2.12 post-exposure (p = 0.07).

Conclusions: Findings suggest a single exposure to IVR can positively impact NP for people with SCI. Participants reported high levels of satisfaction and enjoyment. Mainstream IVR may be a potential adjunct to usual care for NP management.

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沉浸式虚拟现实在脊髓损伤伴神经性疼痛患者中的应用体验：一项混合方法研究。

目的：神经性疼痛（NP）是脊髓损伤（SCI）患者所经历的一种常见且特别致残的疼痛类型，对损伤管理和恢复有重要影响。本研究将SCI患者暴露在沉浸式虚拟现实（IVR）中，并评估他们对疼痛管理、参与水平和实际终端用户界面考虑的看法。材料与方法：单组混合方法研究。参与者使用两种不同的市售设备进行IVR的单次会话，参加了半结构化的访谈，并对访谈进行了主题分析，并报告了他们在接触前和接触后的疼痛程度。结果：11例SCI患者参与了本研究。研究确定了三个主要主题：沉浸式体验、生活体验和身体体验。定性研究结果表明，短期疼痛管理的可接受程度和感知有效性很高。参与者报告NPRS评分从暴露前的4.27±1.79降至暴露后的2.91±2.12 （p = 0.07）。结论：研究结果表明，单次暴露于IVR对脊髓损伤患者的NP有积极影响。参与者报告了很高的满意度和乐趣。主流IVR可能是NP管理常规护理的潜在辅助。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Disability and Rehabilitation 医学-康复医学

CiteScore

5.00

自引率

9.10%

发文量

415

审稿时长

3-6 weeks

期刊介绍： Disability and Rehabilitation along with Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology are international multidisciplinary journals which seek to encourage a better understanding of all aspects of disability and to promote rehabilitation science, practice and policy aspects of the rehabilitation process.