A randomized controlled pilot study examining immediate effects of embodying a virtual reality superhero in people with chronic low back pain

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Harvie, Daniel S
Kelly, Joan
Kluver, Joseph
Deen, Michael
Spitzer, Elizabeth
Coppieters, Michel W
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2022
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Abstract

Purpose: In virtual reality, avatar embodiment can spur perceptions and behaviours related the avatars’ characteristics. We tested whether embodying superhero-like avatars can change self-perceptions in people with chronic low back pain (CLBP).

Design: A non-blinded pilot randomized controlled trial.

Methods: Participants were randomly allocated to embody a superhero (VR-SH, n = 20) or a neutral, non-superhero (VR-Play, n = 10) avatar. Primary outcomes related to body image (e.g., self-perceived vulnerability) and pain intensity were assessed at baseline, during exposure, immediately after and at one-week follow-up. Fear of movement, strength and patient impression of change were also recorded.

Results: The VR-SH group reported gains in body image during (p < .001, η2p=0.71) and immediately after (p < .001, η2p=0.66) VR, whereas the VR-Play group reported small gains during VR (p = .021, η2p=0.46) but not immediately after (p = .076, η2p=0.31). Pain, strength and fear of movement did not change and there were no sustained effects at follow-up (all ps > .05). A greater proportion of people in the VR-SH group reported at least minimal improvement at follow-up (7/20 vs. 1/10).

Conclusion: A VR-SH session produced temporary positive effects on body image. Future research may consider whether larger and sustained effects can be obtained with multisession exposures or explore combined interventions.

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Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology

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© 2022 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/), which permits non-commercial re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited, and is not altered, transformed, or built upon in any way.

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Pain

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Harvie, DS; Kelly, J; Kluver, J; Deen, M; Spitzer, E; Coppieters, MW, A randomized controlled pilot study examining immediate effects of embodying a virtual reality superhero in people with chronic low back pain, Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology

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