Evaluation of immersive virtual reality applications for the rehabilitation of patients with rotator cuff tears

This study explores the growing role of immersive virtual reality (VR) applications for the rehabilitation of patients with rotator cuff (RC) tears. VR is increasingly integrated into shoulder musculoskeletal rehabilitation, offering a personalized and interactive approach to restoring joint function. VR can enhance patient motivation, engagement, and adherence to therapy by providing feedback and customizable exercises tailored to individual recovery needs. However, challenges such as needing specialized equipment, potential discomfort from prolonged use, and issues like “cybersickness” must be considered. Despite these limitations, the ability of VR to track movement and adapt exercises to the patient’s recovery stage makes it a promising tool in shoulder rehabilitation. Future research is essential to assess the long-term clinical efficacy of immersive VR applications in traditional rehabilitation protocols. The potential for home-based VR therapy, under remote supervision, could enhance accessibility, particularly for patients who face challenges attending in-person sessions. As VR technology continues to evolve, its ability to improve rehabilitation outcomes for RC injury patients is expected to expand, offering both supervised and unsupervised treatment options. KEY WORDS: Rotator cuff tear, shoulder, virtual reality, rehabilitation, orthopedics.