The Effects of Virtual Reality-based Wii Fit Yoga on Pain, Functionality and Trigger Points in Non-specific Chronic Low Back Pain Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

INTRODUCTION[|]This study aims to investigate whether or not there was a difference in the efficacy of conventional exercise (CE) treatment and virtual reality (VR)-based Wii Fit yoga applications on the parameters of pain, functionality and myofascial trigger points (MTrP) in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain (nCLBP).[¤]METHODS[|]This study was conducted on a total of 34 patients separated into two groups as the Wii Fit Yoga group and the CE group. In the Wii Fit group, yoga was performed with the Nintendo Wii device for 45 mins, five days a week, for six weeks. The yoga poses included the half-moon, lunge, single-leg extension, torso-twist, tree, and warrior directed at the lower back area. For the CE group, a home exercise program was prescribed comprising stretching, strengthening and posture exercises to be performed at the same frequency and for the same duration as the yoga group. Pain, MTrP's and functionality parameters were evaluated before and after treatment.[¤]RESULTS[|]Following treatment, a statistically significant improvement was observed in all the pain scores, functionality parameters and algometer measurements compared to the baseline values in both groups (p<0.001). No statistically significant difference was determined between the groups.[¤]DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION[|]The application of VR-based Wii Fit Yoga was effective on pain, functionality and MTrP in patients with nCLBP and should be considered as an alternative approach to CE treatment. There is a need for further studies on this subject with larger patient populations and a longer follow-up period.[¤]

Keywords

• chronic low back pain
• myofascial trigger point; yoga.