Effects of using virtual reality during exercise on perceptions of pain and fatigue in individuals with spinal cord injury

Pain and fatigue are among the most commonly reported barriers to exercise for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Previous studies have documented virtual reality's (VR) pain and fatigue reducing properties. However, no study has investigated these effects during exercise in individuals with SCI. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of using VR during exercise on perceptions of pain and fatigue in individuals with SCI. Methods: Eleven individuals with traumatic SCI aged 43.29 + 17.5 years (X + SD) participated in this repeated measure comparative study. Three visits were required from each participant. Baseline data were collected during the first visit. The following two visits consisted of a 6-minute exercise test using arm ergometry. Participants were randomly assigned to an exercise condition, either VR or non-VR. Participants rated their pain and fatigue using visual analogue scales and qualitative data were collected following the completion of the exercise test. Dependent variables included pain and fatigue. Results: Statistically significant improvements were seen in pain (p 0.01) and fatigue (p 0.05). Three higher order themes emerged from the qualitative analysis, positive psychological impact, positive physiological impact, and virtual reality enhancing exercise experience. Conclusion: Virtual reality may be an effective, alternative addition to conventional exercise for reducing perceived pain and fatigue during arm-ergometry exercise in individuals with SCI.