The Effectiveness of Virtual Reality in Managing Labor Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) in managing labor pain. A comprehensive search of databases including Embase, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science identified clinical trials exploring the efficacy of VR in reducing labor pain. The inclusion criteria focused on low-risk, full-term pregnant women receiving VR interventions through head-mounted displays or glasses during any stage of labor. Ten randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the analysis. The meta-analysis revealed a significant reduction in labor pain associated with VR interventions, with a pooled effect size of -0.7012 (95% CI: -0.8380 to -0.5644). Subgroup analyses indicated consistent pain reduction across different parity groups, though heterogeneity was noted among the primiparous and mixed parity groups. Meta-regression analysis identified cervical dilation stage, pain assessment tools, and blinding status as significant moderators of VR's effectiveness. The findings support VR as a promising non-pharmacological intervention for labor pain management, offering significant analgesic effects without the adverse outcomes associated with pharmacological options. Future research should focus on standardizing VR protocols, exploring the optimal timing and duration of interventions, and understanding the long-term effects of VR during labor. This review underscores the potential of VR to enhance labor pain management strategies, improving outcomes for women in labor.