Virtual Reality Mattress Techniques: A Current Review
Introduction
Emerging technology in the healthcare sector has improved the quality of patient care, offering more accurate diagnoses and treatments, as well as improved patient outcomes. Virtual Reality Mattress Techniques are one such example of this advanced technology, and have been used clinically to offer physical therapy and rehabilitation, particularly in the management of chronic pain caused by spinal issues. By combining a patient’s upper body, lower extremities, and pelvic area, the VR Mattress may help to reduce the severity of the symptoms and improve their physical health over time. This review discusses the current applications and evidence base for the use of virtual reality mattresses in clinical practice.
Background
The Virtual Reality Mattress is a unique piece of technology that uses sensors placed in strategic places on a patient’s body to capture movement patterns and provide targeted pressure or stimulation. This type of technology allows for the delivery of targeted physical therapy interventions such as massage, stretching, and ultrasound. This technology has been available for several years and is gaining attention due to its potential to improve patient outcomes when used with correct instruction and guidance.
A study conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the Virtual Reality Mattress in the management of chronic pain of the cervical and lumbar spine, reported that the VR Mattress technique was effective in reducing pain severity and disability in some individuals. Specifically, the study reported a significant reduction in pain severity and disability scores at 3 months and 6 months follow-up. This data provides promising results, suggesting that the use of the Virtual Reality Mattress may be beneficial in the management of spinal pain.
Research
In a prospective study conducted in 2017, the efficacy of the Virtual Reality Mattress technique in the management of chronic low back pain (LBP) was assessed. The participants underwent ten sessions of the VR Mattress technique, each lasting for 30 minutes. The results showed an improvement in the overall severity of the chronic LBP, as measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Additionally, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were also found to be significantly lower after the completion of the intervention.
In another study, the efficacy of the Virtual Reality Mattress technique in the management of chronic neck pain was investigated. The study lasted for 12 weeks and comprised of ten 30-minute sessions of the VR Mattress technique. The participants reported a significant reduction in pain severity, as measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Neck Disability Index (NDI).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the use of Virtual Reality Mattress techniques appears to be an effective option in the management of chronic pain conditions, particularly of the spine. These techniques have been found to reduce pain severity, disability and improve quality of life in patients with chronic low back pain and neck pain. Additionally, the Virtual Reality Mattress technology is a safe and non-invasive procedure, making it an ideal option for the management of spinal conditions. Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term efficacy of the VR Mattress technique and to understand how it may be best incorporated into the clinical practice.
