IMPACT OF VIRTUAL REALITY-BASED PHYSIOTHERAPY ON PAIN MANAGEMENT IN TERMINAL CANCER PATIENTS: EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Abstract

Background

Pain is one of the most distressing symptoms in terminal cancer and often limits mobility and participation in physiotherapy. Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a non-pharmacological method that may reduce pain perception through distraction and relaxation. Evidence from low- and middle-income settings is still limited, especially in hospitalized terminal cancer patients.

Objective

Assess the efficacy of virtual reality interventions in reducing pain and improving mobility in terminal cancer patients

Methods

An experimental study was conducted on 30 terminal cancer patients admitted in the oncology and supportive care wards. Patients were allocated into two groups: a control group receiving routine physiotherapy (n=15) and an experimental group receiving routine physiotherapy plus VR sessions (n=15). The intervention period was two weeks, with sessions delivered five days per week. Pain was measured using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS, 0–10). Mobility and functional status were assessed using the Palliative Performance Scale (PPS). Pre- and post-intervention outcomes were compared within and between groups.

Results

Baseline pain scores were high in both groups (Control: 7.49 ± 0.71; VR group: 7.31 ± 0.54). After two weeks, pain reduced in both groups, but the improvement was greater in the VR group (Post pain: Control 6.40 ± 0.75 vs VR 4.90 ± 1.12). Mean pain reduction was 1.09 ± 0.47 in the control group and 2.41 ± 0.84 in the VR group. Functional status showed minimal change in the control group (PPS improvement: 1.9 ± 4.2), while the VR group demonstrated a stronger gain (PPS improvement: 8.1 ± 3.3). VR was well tolerated, with only mild and temporary symptoms such as dizziness or nausea reported in a small number of patients.

Conclusion

VR-based physiotherapy produced greater pain reduction and better functional improvement compared to routine physiotherapy alone in terminal cancer patients. The intervention was feasible and safe in a tertiary hospital setting. VR may serve as a valuable supportive approach for pain management and mobility enhancement in palliative oncology care.