Virtual Reality-Based Rehabilitation in Chronic Low Back Pain: Effects on Muscle Architecture, Balance, and Satisfaction (VR-LBPREHAB)

Sponsor
Hacettepe University
Study ID
NCT07172828
Status
Not Yet Recruiting

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Conditions

  • Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP)
  • Exercise Therapy
  • Musculoskeletal Pain
  • Postural Balance

Eligibility Criteria

Sex
ALL
Age
18 Years - 65 Years
Healthy Volunteers
Not accepted

Interventions

  • Virtual Reality-Based Rehabilitation — BEHAVIORAL
    Participants receive 20 minutes of motor control exercises combined with 20 minutes of Pilates-inspired virtual reality games (5 repetitions per set). Training will be delivered three times per week, 40 minutes per session, for 8 weeks (24 sessions in total).
  • Conventional Motor Control Exercises — BEHAVIORAL
    Participants perform 40 minutes of progressive spinal stabilization and motor control exercises (10 repetitions per set), three times per week for 8 weeks (24 sessions in total).

Study Details

Chronic low back pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder that causes pain, disability, and reduced quality of life. It is often related to changes in trunk muscle function, thoracolumbar fascia morphology, and impaired balance control. Although conventional motor control exercises are effective, patient motivation and adherence can be limited. Virtual reality (VR)-based rehabilitation offers interactive and engaging environments that may improve compliance and provide additional therapeutic benefits. This study is a randomized controlled trial designed to investigate the effects of VR-based rehabilitation compared with conventional motor control exercises in individuals with chronic low back pain. A total of 40-50 participants aged 18-65 will be recruited and randomly assigned to one of two groups: (1) VR-based rehabilitation or (2) conventional exercise therapy. Both programs will last 8 weeks, delivered three times per week for 40 minutes per session. The primary outcomes include muscle architecture assessed by ultrasound imaging, thoracolumbar fascia morphology, and postural balance control measured by force platform tests. Secondary outcomes include pain intensity, disability, fear-avoidance beliefs, quality of life, and patient satisfaction. The findings of this study are expected to provide new insights into the role of VR in rehabilitation and contribute to evidence-based strategies for managing chronic low back pain. By exploring the effects on both physical and patient-reported outcomes, the study may highlight innovative approaches to improve adherence, reduce pain, and enhance daily function in affected individuals.

Key Dates

First listed
Sep 15, 2025
Start date
Oct 13, 2025
Status verified
Sep 2025
Primary completion
Oct 13, 2026
Completion
Dec 25, 2026

Study Design

Enrollment
48 participants (estimated)
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT

Arms

  • Experimental: Virtual Reality-Based Rehabilitation Group
    Participants receive 20 minutes of motor control exercises combined with 20 minutes of Pilates-based virtual reality games (5 repetitions per set), delivered three times per week for 8 weeks (24 sessions in total).
  • Active Comparator: Conventional Rehabilitation Group
    Participants perform 40 minutes of progressive spinal stabilization and motor control exercises (10 repetitions per set), delivered three times per week for 8 weeks (24 sessions in total).

Primary Outcome Measure

Change in Transversus Abdominis Thickness (mm) [ Time Frame: Baseline, 8 weeks, 3 months, 6 months. ]

Central Contacts

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