Abstract
(271) Attitudes of Older Adults with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain towards Immersive Virtual Reality
The journal of pain, Vol.20(4), pp.S42-S42
04/2019
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2019.01.193
Abstract
Older adults are especially susceptible to chronic musculoskeletal (MSK) pain. Drugs provide inadequate relief and overuse can lead to adverse events. Immersive virtual reality (IVR), a computer-generated simulation of a 3-D image, can act as distraction therapy by drawing attention away from pain. The purpose of this study is to explore the attitudes and treatment acceptability of older adults with chronic MSK pain towards IVR as distraction therapy for chronic pain exacerbations. The aims are: 1) describe attitudes of older adults suffering from chronic MSK pain towards IVR using focus groups; 2) describe IVR treatment acceptability and side effects using surveys. This is a descriptive, exploratory study using mixed methods and convergent parallel design. Inclusion criteria: 1) diagnosis of chronic MSK pain; 2) 65 and older; 3) residency at participating facility. Exclusion criteria: 1) cognitive impairment; 2) hearing/visual deficit. Treatment acceptability was measured with 8 items scored on a 5-pt Likert scale. Side effects to IVR were measured with Virtual Reality Sickness Questionnaire (VRSQ). Participation consisted of 2 visits. The first visit included the consent process, eligibility screening, survey completion, and 15-minutes of IVR and the second visit was a focus group. Data collection and analysis is ongoing, and the current sample size is 15. Most participants found IVR to be an acceptable way to manage pain (73.4%) and would be willing to use it for their pain (73.3%). 46.6% believed it would likely reduce their pain. Few experienced side effects (26%), such as general discomfort and eyestrain. Qualitative data suggests: 1) greater ease of use with sufficient practice; 2) a preference towards relaxation, meditation, or biofeedback simulations with realistic images; 3) an uncertainty of effectiveness with movement-evoked pain. The findings of this study will help optimize IVR as a therapy for chronic MSK pain.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- (271) Attitudes of Older Adults with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain towards Immersive Virtual Reality
- Creators
- L. Nakad - University of IowaB. Rakel - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Abstract
- Publication Details
- The journal of pain, Vol.20(4), pp.S42-S42
- Publisher
- Elsevier Inc
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.jpain.2019.01.193
- ISSN
- 1526-5900
- eISSN
- 1528-8447
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 04/2019
- Academic Unit
- Nursing; Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science
- Record Identifier
- 9984294933102771
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