The effectiveness of virtual reality-based exercises in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis: randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of adding non-immersive virtual reality-based exercise to a conventional rehabilitation program for pain, functionality, balance, and quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

METHODS

This randomized controlled clinical trial involved 60 patients. Measurements were taken before and after treatment (at week 3). Visual analog scale, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, and the Short Form-36 were measured. Postural Stability- Dynamic Overall Stability Index, Functional Reach Composite Score, and Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance-Composite Score were recorded using the Biodex Balance System.

RESULTS

In both groups, statistically significant improvements were observed in visual analog scale, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, the Short Form-36 Physical Functioning, Postural Stability-Dynamic Overall Stability Index, Functional Reach Composite Score, and Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance-Composite Score scores in the post-intervention period (p<0.001). In both groups, statistically significant improvements were observed in all Short Form-36 subscales [Physical Functioning, Role Physical, Bodily Pain, General Health, Vitality, Social Functioning, Role Emotional, and Mental Health were observed during the post-intervention period (p<0.001)]. In the two-way mixed-methods repeated-measures analysis of variance analysis, the time effect was found to be significant in all Short Form-36 subdimensions (p<0.001). The group-time interaction was not significant in the "Role Physical" and "Mental Health" subdimensions (p=0.151 and p=0.604, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The addition of virtual reality-based exercise to results in greater reductions in pain levels and improvements in disease-specific functional status and overall physical function, postural stability, dynamic balance, and sensory integration. Further improvements in quality of life across all subscales except for physical role limitations and mental health.