Evaluating Virtual Reality Interventions for Chronic Pain Management in Older Adults

Background: Chronic pain significantly impairs the quality of life in older adults, with current treatments often being inadequate or accompanied by side effects. Virtual reality (VR) is emerging as a promising non-pharmacological intervention for chronic pain management. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of VR interventions for managing chronic pain in older adults. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using databases including PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, Scopus, and EBSCOhost. Inclusion criteria were studies focusing on adults aged ≥60 years, employing VR for chronic pain management, and reporting quantitative outcomes. Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) were primarily included. Critical appraisal of methodological quality was performed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias (ROB) 2 tool. Results: Three studies, with a total of 239 participants, met the inclusion criteria. VR interventions ranged from CBT-integrated programs to nature-based guided meditations. One study demonstrated significant reductions in pain intensity for chronic low back pain, while others highlighted increased adherence to exercise and a reduction in anxiety. However, technical challenges, such as cybersickness and hardware malfunctions, affected the feasibility. Acceptability and user satisfaction were generally high, though usability issues were noted. Conclusion: VR interventions show potential as effective tools for managing chronic pain in older adults, enhancing adherence and providing non-pharmacological relief. Nonetheless, limitations include small sample sizes, technical barriers, and variable study quality. Future research should focus on improved methodological rigour, technological robustness, and long-term evaluations to validate the utility of VR for chronic pain management.