Use And Efficacy Of Virtual, Augmented, Or Mixed Reality Technology For Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Aim: Characterize use and efficacy/effectiveness of virtual, augmented, or mixed reality (VR/AR/MR) technology as non-pharmacological therapy for chronic pain. Methods: Systematic search of 12 databases to identify empirical studies, of individuals who experience chronic pain or illness involving chronic pain, published between 1990 and 2021. JBI Critical Appraisal Checklists assessed study bias and a narrative synthesis was provided. Results: 46 studies, investigating a total of 1456 participants and including 19 randomized controlled trials (RCT), were reviewed. VR/AR/MR was associated with improved pain-related outcomes in 78% of the RCTs. Conclusion: While most studies showed effects immediately or up to one month post treatment, RCTs are needed to further evaluate VR/AR/MR, establish long-term benefits, and assess accessibility, especially among individuals who experience pain management disparities.

Plain language summary

Virtual, augmented and mixed reality (VR/AR/MR) are technologies that can be used to manage chronic pain. The use and effectiveness of VR/AR/MR were examined during a review of 46 research studies, which included 1456 participants and 19 randomized controlled trials (RCTs). In 78% of the RCTs, VR/AR/MR improved pain or pain-related outcomes. While most studies showed a benefit on pain immediately or up to 1 month after treatment, more research is needed to assess the long-term benefits of VR/AR/MR on pain and understand how these technologies provide pain relief in the body. Additionally, the accessibility and cost–effectiveness of VR/AR/MR must be evaluated. These areas for future research must consider individuals who experience disparities in the treatment of chronic pain.

Tweetable abstract

A systematic review of 46 studies, including 1456 participants and 19 RCTs, finds that virtual/augmented/mixed reality can have short-term benefits for individuals experiencing chronic pain. #VR/AR/MR #chronicpain

Keywords::

• chronic conditions
• chronic pain
• disparities
• pain management
• technology
• virtual reality

Supplementary data

To view the supplementary data that accompany this paper please visit the journal website at: www.tandfonline.com/doi/suppl/10.2217/pmt-2022-0030

Author contributions

Conception and design of the work: N Matthie. Acquisition, analysis or interpretation of data for the work: All authors. Drafting the work or revising it critically for important intellectual content: All authors. Final approval of the version to be published: All authors. Agreement to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved: All authors.

Acknowledgments

The authors thank R Chandler, H Ross, A-T Ayuk-Arrey, A Gibson, A Landers, J Bai and A Long for their assistance with this systematic review. Acquisition of data for the work: R Chandler, H Ross, A-T Ayuk-Arrey, A Gibson, A Landers, J Bai and A Long. Analysis and interpretation of data, and drafting and revising the work: R Chandler.

Financial&competing interests disclosure

This work was supported in part by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (3U01HL128566-02S1 and K23HL133457) and the National Institute of Nursing Research (R21NR019872-01 and R01NR02012-01) of the National Institutes of Health. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported in part by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (3U01HL128566-02S1 and K23HL133457) and the National Institute of Nursing Research (R21NR019872-01 and R01NR02012-01) of the National Institutes of Health. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.