Effect of immersive virtual reality as a therapeutic strategy in university students with neck pain

Introduction: imersive virtual reality as been shown to have analgesic effects by facilitating attentional distraction and altering pain perception. Its implementation in therapeutic settings could result in significant functional improvements, particularly for college students suffering from neck pain. Objective: the purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of immersive virtual reality as a therapeutic strategy for pain management and cervical range of motion among university students through a systematic review with meta-analysis. Methods: a systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines, exploring the PubMed and ScienceDirect. Research published in the last five years that applied interventions using virtual reality in young adults with neck pain was included. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. In addition, a meta-analysis was performed on three selected studies that reported information related to cervical range of motion, using standardized effect size and a random effects model. Results: The meta-analysis revealed a significant improvement in cervical ROM after virtual reality-based interventions, especially during rotational movements. The combined effect size was moderate to large (SMD: 0,70–2,47), showing statistically significant results in all studies analyzed. Overall, the methodological quality was considered good (PEDro ≥6). Conclusions: Immersive virtual reality appears to be an effective tool for improving cervical range of motion among students with clinically relevant neck pain; therefore, its integration into university rehabilitation programs is suggested, as well as further clinical research using larger samples.