Effects of virtual reality-based neck-specific sensorimotor training in patients with chronic neck pain: A randomized controlled pilot trial.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of neck-specific sensorimotor training using a virtual reality device compared with 2 standard rehabilitation programmes: with, and without general sensorimotor training, in patients with non-traumatic chronic neck pain.

Design: Pilot randomized control study.

Patients And Methods: A total of 51 participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: 1: control group; 2: sensorimotor group; 3: virtual reality group. All 3 groups received the clinic's standard rehabilitation programme. Group 2 also received "general sensori-motor training" in the form of group therapy, for a total of 120 min. Group 3 received additional virtual reality-based "neck-specific sensorimotor training" for a total of 120 min. Participants' neck pain, head-aches, active cervical range of motion, and Neck Disability Index were determined before and after 3 weeks of intervention.

Results: Compared with the control group, the virtual reality group showed significant (p < 0.05) advantages in relief of headaches, and active cervical range of motion in flexion and extension. Com-pared with the sensorimotor group, the virtual reality group showed significant improvements in cervical extension.

Conclusion: Virtual reality-based sensorimotor training may increase the effects of a standard rehabilitation programme for patients with non-traumatic chronic neck pain, especially active cervical range of motion in extension.