Comparison of the Acute Effects of Virtual Reality Exergames and Core Stability Exercises on Cognitive Factors, Pain, and Fear Avoidance Beliefs in People with Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain

<b><i>Objective:</i></b> In this study, we aimed to investigate and compare the acute effects of exergames (EXG) and core stability exercises (CSEs) on cognitive factors, pain, mood, and fear-avoidance beliefs (FAB) in individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP). <b><i>Materials and Methods:</i></b> In a single-blinded clinical trial, 40 participants with CLBP were randomly assigned to either the EXG group or the CSEs group. The EXG group engaged in a single session of exergames using the Xbox Kinect device, while the CSEs group completed a single session of common core stability exercises. Measurements of attention, working memory, pain intensity, mood states, and FAB were taken before and after each intervention. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The results showed that a single session of EXG was significantly more effective than CSEs in improving cognitive reaction time, pain intensity, FAB, and positive mood states (<i>P</i> ≤ 0.05). Additionally, participants reported lower perceived exertion due to exercising following EXG compared with CSEs. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> EXG may have potential therapeutic advantages over traditional exercise interventions for CLBP.