ABSTRACT

Background: Chronic neck pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder leading to persistent pain, functional disability, and reduced cervical mobility. Virtual reality (VR)–based rehabilitation has emerged as a novel therapeutic approach that enhances engagement and neuromuscular retraining. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of conventional physiotherapy training and virtual reality– based training on pain, disability, and cervical range of motion in patients with chronic neck pain. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 60 patients with chronic neck pain. Participants were randomly allocated into Group A (conventional physiotherapy, n = 30) and Group B (virtual reality–based training, n = 30). Both groups received treatment for 6 weeks. Outcome measures included Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), and cervical range of motion measured using a goniometer. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were performed. Statistical analysis was done using paired and independent t-tests.Results: Both groups showed statistically significant improvements in pain, disability, and cervical range of motion (p < 0.001). However, Group B demonstrated significantly greater improvement compared to Group A in all parameters. Conclusion: Virtual reality–based training is more effective than conventional physiotherapy in improving pain, disability, and cervical mobility in patients with chronic neck pain. Keywords: Chronic neck pain, Virtual reality, Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation, Range of motion
Publication date: 2026/10/01

https://www.ijbpas.com/pdf/2026/October/MS_IJBPAS_2026_10549.pdf

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doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2026/15.10.10549