ePoster

Visual feedback manipulation in virtual reality alters movement-evoked pain perception in chronic low back pain

Jaime Jordán López, María D. Arguisuelas, Julio Doménech, María L. Peñalver-Barrios, Marta Miragall, Rocío Herrero, Rosa M. Baños, Juan J. Amer-Cuenca, Juan F. Lisón
FENS Forum 2024(2024)
Messe Wien Exhibition & Congress Center, Vienna, Austria

Conference

FENS Forum 2024

Messe Wien Exhibition & Congress Center, Vienna, Austria

Resources

Authors & Affiliations

Jaime Jordán López, María D. Arguisuelas, Julio Doménech, María L. Peñalver-Barrios, Marta Miragall, Rocío Herrero, Rosa M. Baños, Juan J. Amer-Cuenca, Juan F. Lisón

Abstract

We explored the potential of altering movement-evoked pain in individuals with chronic low back pain (LBP) by manipulating visual proprioceptive cues through virtual reality (VR). Additionally, we investigated whether individuals with higher levels of pain, kinesiophobia, disability and catastrophizing might demonstrate greater susceptibility to visual feedback manipulation. In this cross-sectional study, 50 patients with non-specific chronic LBP extended their lumbar spine until the onset of pain. This was done both without the use of VR and using the VR. The visual feedback regarding the amount of movement was manipulated to be 10% smaller(E-) or 10% larger(E+) than their actual lumbar extension. Non-parametric Friedman test was used to examine within-group differences among the three experimental conditions [Control(E), understated condition(E-) and overstated condition(E+)]. Underestimating the extension task(E-) resulted in chronic LBP patients moving 20% more compared to the control condition(E) (P=0.002;Z=-3.03), and 22% more compared to the overstated condition(E+) (P<0.001;Z=-4.57). Additionally, patients with a higher kinesiophobia (P=0.047; 95%CI[-7.1;-0.0];d=0.62) and disability (P<0.01; 95%CI[-8.6;-2.2];d=1.0) exhibited a more favorable response to E-. The manipulation of visual-proprioceptive information through VR has been shown to alter pain thresholds in chronic LBP. More precisely, when the extension task was underestimated(E-), patients demonstrated an extended ROM before encountering pain, delaying the pain onset. Additionally, it was observed that both kinesiophobia and disability played a significant role in the effects of visual feedback manipulation. This study opens up new avenues for assessment and potential therapeutic applications for individuals with chronic LBP, particularly those with high levels of kinesiophobia and disability.

Unique ID: fens-24/visual-feedback-manipulation-virtual-4ed1dbf0