Non Specific Chronic Low Back Pain
Conditions
Brief summary
This study aims to investigate the effect of virtual reality (VR) training on pain intensity, functional disability, and lumbar reposition error in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain.
Detailed description
This randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) training in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP). Chronic low back pain is a highly prevalent condition associated with impaired proprioception, altered motor control, and functional disability. Fifty participants diagnosed with CNSLBP were randomly assigned into two groups. The intervention group received virtual reality-based training in addition to conventional physiotherapy, while the control group received conventional treatment alone. Outcome measures included pain intensity assessed by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), functional disability assessed by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and lumbar repositioning error measured using an iPhone inclinometer application. The study aimed to determine whether VR training could significantly improve pain, functional outcomes, and proprioceptive accuracy in this population.
Interventions
DEVICETranscutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
TENS was applied in a prone position with electrodes placed over the painful area. Low-frequency stimulation (2-10 Hz) was used to achieve analgesic effects. Intensity was adjusted to produce a strong but comfortable tingling sensation. Each session lasted 20-60 minutes.
DRUGTherapeutic Ultrasound
Ultrasound therapy was applied using appropriate frequency (1 MHz for deep tissues, 3 MHz for superficial tissues) and intensity (0.5-2.0 W/cm²). Continuous or pulsed modes were selected based on the condition. Each session lasted 5-10 minutes.
Participants performed trunk stabilization exercises including supine bridge, supine bridge on Swiss ball, and prone plank. Each exercise was performed for 30 seconds with 30 seconds rest, repeated 5 times, 3 sets per session, 3 times per week.
Participants underwent VR training using Xbox 360 Kinect system. The setup included a motion sensor and projector, allowing full-body interaction through game-based activities. Training consisted of interactive games (e.g., rafting, running, ball hitting) designed to improve trunk control and motor function. Sessions were conducted twice weekly for 30 minutes over 12 weeks. Exercises included movements such as jumping, trunk tilting, and arm coordination, with progressive difficulty levels.
Sponsors
Cairo University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
21 Years to 45 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Patients with low back pain ≥ 12 weeks Age: 21-45 years Both genders BMI: 18.5-24.9
Exclusion criteria
* iabetic neuropathy Sciatica Spine deformities Previous lumbar surgery Neurological or vestibular disorders Visual disorders Malignancy or trauma Structural spinal disorders (stenosis, osteoporosis, etc.)
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Pain intensity (VAS) | 1 Month |
| Functional disability (Oswestry Disability Index) | 1 Month |
| Lumbar reposition error (iPhone inclinometer) | 1 Month |
Countries
Egypt
Outcome results
None listed