The effect of virtual reality training on pain and postural control in elderly men with chronic nonspecific low back pain: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial

Chronic musculoskeletal pain increases significantly with age. Back pain is the most common pain reported by elderly people in the world. Virtual reality (VR) technology has become increasingly prevalent in many spheres of knowledge, including healthcare rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of eight weeks of virtual reality training (VRT) on pain and postural control of elderly men with chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP).

Thirty elderly patients with CNLBP in both experimental and control groups participated in this study. The experimental group performed 30 min VRT three times a week for eight weeks, and the control group continued their normal life routine during this period. Pain and center of pressure (CoP) variable were assessed before and after the intervention using visual analogue scale and foot pressure system, respectively. Paired sample t-test and one way analysis of covariance at SPSS software version 22 were used for data analysis (P<0.05).

The results of statistical analysis indicated that pain (P=0.001) and CoP variables (oscillation velocity (P=0.014), sway area (P=0.004), anterior-posterior displacement (P=0.000) and medial-lateral displacement (P=0.03)) in the experimental group had a significant decrease compared to the control after eight weeks.

According to the obtained results, the use of VRT with the aim of reducing pain and postural fluctuations is recommended to rehabilitation of geriatric with CNLBP.