Effects of virtual reality exercise on pain, joint motion, and quality of life in patients with frozen shoulder: a randomized controlled study

Background Restriction of shoulder movements in frozen shoulder may negatively affect individual's daily living activities. The effect of the virtual reality (VR)-based exercise program, which is an innovative application and has been used in the field of physiotherapy in recent years, is unknown on patients diagnosed with frozen shoulder. Objective This study was conducted to determine the effects of a VR-based exercise program provided to patients with frozen shoulder on their pain, joint motion, and quality of life. MethodsIn the randomized controlled study, patients were divided into two groups to receive treatment five times a week for four weeks:VR-based exercise (VR group, n = 18) and conventional treatment(control group, n = 18). The data were collected using the VisualAnalog Scale, the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, and the ShortForm - 36 health Scale. Results In comparison to the pre-treatment measurements, improvements were observed in pain, joint range of motion, and quality of life in both groups after the treatment (p < .001). The improvement in pain observed in the VR group after the treatment was greater than that observed in the control group (U=-2.064, p= .030). After the treatment, the quality of life in the mental health dimension was better for patients in the VR group (U= -1.979, p= .048). Conclusion VR-based exercise was an effective method for reducing the pain levels and improving the mental health of patients diagnosed with frozen shoulder.