Effect of Virtual Reality Training on Pain, Functional Disability, and Lumbar Reposition Error in Patients With Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain

NCT07577778 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: P.T.REC/012/00604
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 50
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study aims to investigate the effect of virtual reality (VR) training on pain intensity, functional disability, and lumbar reposition error in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain.

Conditions

Non Specific Chronic Low Back Pain

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Pain intensity (VAS)

  1 Month

• Functional disability (Oswestry Disability Index)

  1 Month

• Lumbar reposition error (iPhone inclinometer)

  1 Month

Study Arms (2)

Arm 1

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants in this group received conventional physiotherapy including TENS, therapeutic ultrasound, and proprioceptive exercises.

Device: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS); Drug: Therapeutic Ultrasound; Other: Proprioceptive Exercises

Group 2

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this group received the same conventional physiotherapy program in addition to virtual reality (VR) training.

Device: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS); Drug: Therapeutic Ultrasound; Other: Proprioceptive Exercises; Device: Virtual Reality (VR) Training

Interventions

Therapeutic Ultrasound DRUG

Ultrasound therapy was applied using appropriate frequency (1 MHz for deep tissues, 3 MHz for superficial tissues) and intensity (0.5-2.0 W/cm²). Continuous or pulsed modes were selected based on the condition. Each session lasted 5-10 minutes.

Arm 1; Group 2

Proprioceptive Exercises OTHER

Participants performed trunk stabilization exercises including supine bridge, supine bridge on Swiss ball, and prone plank. Each exercise was performed for 30 seconds with 30 seconds rest, repeated 5 times, 3 sets per session, 3 times per week.

Arm 1; Group 2

Virtual Reality (VR) Training DEVICE

Participants underwent VR training using Xbox 360 Kinect system. The setup included a motion sensor and projector, allowing full-body interaction through game-based activities. Training consisted of interactive games (e.g., rafting, running, ball hitting) designed to improve trunk control and motor function. Sessions were conducted twice weekly for 30 minutes over 12 weeks. Exercises included movements such as jumping, trunk tilting, and arm coordination, with progressive difficulty levels.

Group 2

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) DEVICE

TENS was applied in a prone position with electrodes placed over the painful area. Low-frequency stimulation (2-10 Hz) was used to achieve analgesic effects. Intensity was adjusted to produce a strong but comfortable tingling sensation. Each session lasted 20-60 minutes.

Arm 1; Group 2

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 21 Years - 45 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Patients with low back pain ≥ 12 weeks Age: 21-45 years Both genders BMI: 18.5-24.9

You may not qualify if:

• iabetic neuropathy Sciatica Spine deformities Previous lumbar surgery Neurological or vestibular disorders Visual disorders Malignancy or trauma Structural spinal disorders (stenosis, osteoporosis, etc.)

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Cairo University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Cairo University

Giza, 12613, Egypt

Location

MeSH Terms

Interventions

Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation; Ultrasonic Therapy

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Electric Stimulation Therapy; Therapeutics; Physical Therapy Modalities; Rehabilitation; Analgesia; Anesthesia and Analgesia; Diathermy; Hyperthermia, Induced

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Principal Investigator

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: May 5, 2026
• First Posted: May 11, 2026
• Study Start: September 3, 2025
• Primary Completion: April 15, 2026
• Study Completion: April 30, 2026
• Last Updated: May 11, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-05

Locations

EG (1)