Effects of Virtual Reality-Based Aerobic Exercise on Perceptions of Pain and Fatigue in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury

Virtual reality (VR) has become an effective alternative to promote exercise. However, limited studies have investigated the effect of VR on pain and fatigue in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI).Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of using VR during exercise on pain and fatigue in individuals with SCI. This study employed a concurrent nested mixed-methods design.Materials and Methods: Eleven individuals with SCI completed a 6-minute exercise test using arm ergometry with and without VR. Pain and fatigue questionnaire data were collected using Pain Self Efficacy Questionnaire, the Fatigue Severity Scale, and the Fatigue Assessment Scale. Qualitative data were collected after the VR session.Results: Participants experienced less pain and fatigue during VR exercise than during non-VR exercise. Qualitative data were consistent with the questionnaire results.Conclusion: Clinicians should consider the use of VR in reducing pain and fatigue.