Immersive VR movement visualization in patients with hemophilic knee arthropathy: randomized, multicenter, single-blind clinical trial

Abstract

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the efficacy of an immersive movement visualization intervention in patients with hemophilia and hemophilic knee arthropathy.

Materials and methods Randomized, single-blind clinical study. Twenty-eight patients with hemophilia were recruited. Patients were randomized to an experimental group (four weeks of immersive movement visualization) and a control group (no intervention). The intensity of pain, pressure pain threshold in the knee, tibialis anterior muscle, lower back level, conditioned pain modulation, range of knee motion, and lower limb functionality were evaluated.

Results There were statistically significant differences in the intergroup effect on knee pain intensity (F = 23.71; p < 0.001) and lower limb functionality (F = 7.11; p = 0.003). 42.86% of the patients in the experimental group exhibited changes greater than the minimum detectable change (MDC) in functionality. 39.29% of the patients subject to the intervention experienced changes greater than the MDC in the knee pressure pain threshold.

Conclusions Immersive motion visualization can improve the intensity of joint pain and functionality in patients with hemophilic knee arthropathy. Functionality, pressure pain threshold, and pain intensity improved in those patients who conducted immersive movement visualization.

Implications for rehabilitation Immersive visualization of movement significantly improves intensity of joint pain, functionality, pressure pain threshold, joint health, and conditioned pain modulation in patients with hemophilic knee arthropathy.

The fact that it is a therapy without potential aversive stimuli makes it a possible access pathway for patients with high levels of kinesiophobia and/or catastrophism.

This low-cost, home-based technology allows its use in patients far from hemophilia reference centers or with difficult access to physiotherapy treatments.

The immersive visualization of movement influences the democratization of treatment, in accordance with the WHO's Sustainable Development Goal 3 (health and well-being for all).