Virtual Reality as a Therapeutic Approach for Entrapment Neuropathies: A Scoping Review Protocol

<b>Abstract</b><b>Objective:</b> The aim of this scoping review will be to explore the feasibility and the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) as a treatment for entrapment neuropathies.<b>Introduction:</b> Entrapment neuropathies (i.e., carpal tunnel syndrome) cause pain and weakness due to nerve compression. While conservative treatments are common, many patients face chronic symptoms. VR shows promise in improving motor function and pain relief in neurological disorders, but its effectiveness for entrapment neuropathies is not yet established.<b>Inclusion criteria:</b> All study designs involving adult subjects (18 years and older) diagnosed with entrapment neuropathies and receiving rehabilitative treatment using virtual reality will be considered.<b>Methods:</b> This study will be performed in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Methodology. MEDLINE, Cochrane Central, CINAHL Complete, Scopus, and PEDro databases will be searched from inception to January, 2025. Additional records will be identified through searching in grey literature and the reference lists of all relevant studies. No study design, publication type, and data restrictions will be applied. Only studies written in English will be included. Two reviewers will independently screen all abstracts and full-text studies for inclusion. A data collection form will be developed by the research team to extract the characteristics of the studies included. A tabular and accompanying narrative summary of the information will be provided.<b>C</b><b>o</b><b>nclusions:</b> This will be the first scoping review to provide a comprehensive overview of the topic. Furthermore, any knowledge gaps of the topic will be identified.