Does virtual reality reduce pain in pediatric patients? A systematic review

Iannicelli, Anna Maria; Vito, Daniele; Dodaro, Concetta Anna; Matteo, Pasquale De; Nocerino, Rita; Sepe, Angela; Raia, Valeria

doi:10.1186/s13052-019-0757-0

Cited by 47 publications

(45 citation statements)

References 13 publications

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“…Moreover, few studies have applied VR tools for pediatric chronic pain [12]. In a recent review of VR studies in pediatric pain (PubMed 2000-2017), there were only 4 that focused on VR for chronic pain, compared to 94 that focused on VR for coping with medical procedures and acute pain [13].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Virtual Reality in Pain Rehabilitation for Youth With Chronic Pain: Pilot Feasibility Study

Griffin

Wilson

Feinstein

et al. 2020

JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol

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Background In the field of pain, virtual reality (VR) technology has been increasingly common in the context of procedural pain management. As an interactive technology tool, VR has the potential to be extended beyond acute pain management to chronic pain rehabilitation with a focus on increasing engagement with painful or avoided movements. Objective We outline the development and initial implementation of a VR program in pain rehabilitation intervention to enhance function in youth with chronic pain. Methods We present the development, acceptability, feasibility, and utility of an innovative VR program (Fruity Feet) for pediatric pain rehabilitation to facilitate increased upper and lower extremity engagement. The development team was an interdisciplinary group of pediatric experts, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, pain psychologists, anesthesiologists, pain researchers, and a VR software developer. We used a 4-phase iterative development process that engaged clinicians, parents, and patients via interviews and standardized questionnaires. Results This study included 17 pediatric patients (13 female, 4 male) enrolled in an intensive interdisciplinary pain treatment (IIPT) program, with mean age of 13.24 (range 7-17) years, completing a total of 63 VR sessions. Overall reports of presence were high (mean 28.98; max 40; SD 4.02), suggestive of a high level of immersion. Among those with multisession data (n=8), reports of pain (P<.001), fear (P=.003), avoidance (P=.004), and functional limitations (P=.01) significantly decreased. Qualitative analysis revealed (1) a positive experience with VR (eg, enjoyed VR, would like to utilize the VR program again, felt VR was a helpful tool); (2) feeling distracted from pain while engaged in VR; (3) greater perceived mobility; and (4) fewer clinician-observed pain behaviors during VR. Movement data support the targeted impact of the Fruity Feet compared to other available VR programs. Conclusions The iterative development process yielded a highly engaging and feasible VR program based on qualitative feedback, questionnaires, and movement data. We discuss next steps for the refinement, implementation, and assessment of impact of VR on chronic pain rehabilitation. VR holds great promise as a tool to facilitate therapeutic gains in chronic pain rehabilitation in a manner that is highly reinforcing and fun.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Virtual Reality in Pain Rehabilitation for Youth With Chronic Pain: Pilot Feasibility Study

Griffin

Wilson

Feinstein

et al. 2020

JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol

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“…Previous reviews have indicated the potential of VR in pediatrics (e.g., Eijlers et al, 2019a;Iannicelli et al, 2019;Georgescu et al, 2020). However, nearly half of the studies included in the present review were published in 2019 and 2020.…”

Section: Objectivesmentioning

confidence: 97%

The Effects of Virtual Reality on Procedural Pain and Anxiety in Pediatrics: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Nordgård

Låg

2021

Front. Virtual Real.

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Distraction and procedural preparation techniques are frequently used to manage pain and anxiety in children undergoing medical procedures. An increasing number of studies have indicated that Virtual Reality (VR) can be used to deliver these interventions, but treatment effects vary greatly. The present study is a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that have used VR to reduce procedural pain and anxiety in children. It is the first meta-analytic assessment of the potential influence of technical specifications (immersion) and degree of user-system interactivity on treatment effects. 65 studies were identified, of which 42 reported pain outcomes and 35 reported anxiety outcomes. Results indicate large effect sizes in favor of VR for both outcomes. Larger effects were observed in dental studies and studies that used non-interactive VR. No relationship was found between the degree of immersion or participant age and treatment effects. Most studies were found to have a high risk of bias and there are strong indications of publication bias. The results and their implications are discussed in context of these limitations, and modified effect sizes are suggested. Finally, recommendations for future investigations are provided.

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“…In terms of clinical application, VR has also been investigated as a therapeutic tool, in particular for treating phobias, social disorder, and pain. Iannicelli et al [ 18 ] analysed the efficacy of VR as an instrument for pain reduction in children and adolescents. Although there are a few publications in this field, VR seems to be effective for non-pharmacological pain reduction.…”

Section: Critical Care 1- Dental Trauma; 2- Painmentioning

confidence: 99%

Best practices, challenges and innovations in pediatrics in 2019

et al. 2020

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This paper runs through key progresses in epidemiology, pathomechanisms and therapy of various diseases in children that were issued in the Italian Journal of Pediatrics at the end of last year. Novel research and documents that explore areas such as allergy, critical care, endocrinology, gastroenterology, infectious diseases, neonatology, neurology, nutrition, and respiratory tract illnesses in children have been reported. These observations will help to control childhood illnesses.

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Does virtual reality reduce pain in pediatric patients? A systematic review

Cited by 47 publications

References 13 publications

Virtual Reality in Pain Rehabilitation for Youth With Chronic Pain: Pilot Feasibility Study

Virtual Reality in Pain Rehabilitation for Youth With Chronic Pain: Pilot Feasibility Study

The Effects of Virtual Reality on Procedural Pain and Anxiety in Pediatrics: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Best practices, challenges and innovations in pediatrics in 2019

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