VR Therapy Effects in Lumbar Disc Herniation

Uskudar University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Lumbar Disc Herniation

Treatments: Other: Conventional Physiotherapy; Other: VR

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07309627

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Details and patient eligibility

About

This study aims to evaluate the effects of incorporating virtual reality (VR) therapy into routine physical therapy (RPT) on balance, pain, kinesiophobia, quality of life, and depression in individuals diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation (LDH).

Full description

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of adding virtual reality (VR) therapy to routine physical therapy (RPT) on balance, pain, kinesiophobia, quality of life, and depression in individuals with lumbar disc herniation (LDH).

Methods:

A total of 93 patients diagnosed with LDH will be randomly assigned into two groups: an intervention group (n=47) and a control group (n=46). Both groups will undergo a conventional physical therapy program consisting of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), vacuum interference, heat application, and ultrasound therapy. In addition to the conventional program, the intervention group will receive VR-based therapy.

Participants will be assessed at baseline and at the end of the intervention period using the following outcome measures: balance assessed by the Nintendo Balance Board-based Balance System; activities of daily living assessed by the Oswestry Disability Index; back pain intensity assessed by the Visual Analog Scale; kinesiophobia assessed by the Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale; quality of life assessed by the Short Form-36 questionnaire; and depression assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory.

Enrollment: 93 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 65 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusion Criteria

• Diagnosis of lumbar disc herniation (LDH)
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Presence of low back pain for at least 3 months
• No participation in physiotherapy or structured rehabilitation programs within the previous 6 months

Exclusion Criteria:

Exclusion Criteria

• History of spinal surgery or spinal trauma
• Presence of vestibular disorders
• Presence of neurological diseases
• Presence of cardiopulmonary diseases
• Presence of other musculoskeletal disorders affecting participation
• Pregnancy

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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93 participants in 2 patient groups

Control Group

Active Comparator group

Description:

Arm 1 - Control Group Arm Title: Control Group Arm Type: Active Comparator Description: Participants in this group will receive standard physiotherapy interventions commonly used for the management of lumbar disc herniation. Intervention Intervention Name: Conventional Physiotherapy Intervention Type: Behavioral Intervention Description: A traditional physiotherapy program including supervised stretching, strengthening, and mobility exercises tailored for individuals with lumbar disc herniation. Assigned Arm: Control Group

Treatment:

Other: Conventional Physiotherapy

Experimental Group

Experimental group

Description:

Arm 2 - Experimental Group Arm Title: Experimental Group Arm Type: Experimental Description: Participants in this group will receive a virtual reality-based exercise program designed to improve balance, reduce pain, decrease kinesiophobia, and enhance quality of life. Intervention Intervention Name: Virtual Reality Exercise Program Intervention Type: Behavioral Intervention Description: A structured virtual reality-based exercise protocol including balance, core-strengthening, mobility tasks, and functional training tailored for lumbar disc herniation. Assigned Arm: Experimental Group

Treatment:

Other: VR

Other: Conventional Physiotherapy