Significance or rationale of the study: Virtual reality (VR) is a promising non-pharmacological pain management tool. It enhances motor function by promoting cortical reorganization and neuroplasticity. Its multimodal biofeedback engages sensory and cognitive functions, making therapy interactive, motivating, and easy to understand. With strong rehabilitation potential, VR helps patients adapt to real-world movements (Laver, 2020). Initially used for procedural pain management, VR is now expanding into chronic pain rehabilitation by encouraging engagement with difficult or avoided movements (Griffin et al., 2020). Additionally, VR offers a dynamic alternative to traditional exercises, improving adherence and outcomes. Integrating entertainment into therapy can motivate children, enhancing their physical and psychological well-being. Recently, a few studies revealed an improvement in vaso-occlusive episodes (VOE) after VR treatment (Agrawal et al., 2019). However, efficacy studies are needed to assess VR's potential benefits. Additionally, data regarding VR's efficacy on daily pain, functional mobility, and HRQOL as complementary therapy are limited
1. To investigate the effect of VR in reducing daily pain in children with SCD 2. To evaluate the impact of VR on improving functional mobility in children with SCD. 3. To examine the changes in PedsQL in children with SCD after engaging in VR experiences. 4. To evaluate the safety and satisfaction of fully immersive VR therapy in children with
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
40
Virtual reality (VR) technology is a new medical intervention technique founded on the principle of distraction, providing real perceptual stimuli such as visual images, spatial sounds, tactile, and sensory feedback stimuli.(Zhang et al., 2022)
Prince Mohammed bin Nasser Hospital
Jizan, Saudi Arabia
Pain Intensity (Numeric Rating Scale - NRS)
Pain intensity was assessed using the validated Arabic version of the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), which ranges from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). Participants were asked to rate their pain immediately before and after the VR session to measure the short-term analgesic effect of the intervention.
Time frame: Baseline, Week 3, and Week 5
Health-Related Quality of Life (PedsQL)
The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) Generic Core Scale was used to assess health-related quality of life in children aged 8-13 years. The Arabic validated version was administered at baseline, mid-intervention (week 3), and post-intervention (week 5). Higher scores indicate better quality of life across physical, emotional, social, and school functioning domains.
Time frame: Baseline, Week 3, and Week 5
Functional Mobility (Timed Up and Go Test - TUG)
Functional mobility was measured using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Participants were instructed to rise from a chair, walk 3 meters, turn around, walk back, and sit down. The total time taken to complete the task was recorded in seconds. Assessments were conducted at baseline, week 3, and week 5.
Time frame: Baseline, Week 3, and Week 5
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