Could VR games ease back pain and improve balance?
NCT ID NCT07309627
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether adding virtual reality (VR) games to standard physical therapy helps people with lumbar disc herniation. 93 participants received either conventional therapy or conventional therapy plus VR for six weeks. Researchers measured changes in balance, pain, fear of movement, depression, and quality of life.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Virtual reality therapy combined with conventional physiotherapy
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a more engaging and effective rehabilitation approach for chronic back pain.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, completed study with no blinding or long-term follow-up, so results may not be widely applicable or lasting.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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93 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Nov 2023
- Finished
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Dec 2023
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria * Diagnosis of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) * Sedentary lifestyle * Presence of low back pain for at least 3 months * No participation in physiotherapy or structured rehabilitation programs within the previous 6 months Exclusion Criteria: Exclusion Criteria * History of spinal surgery or spinal trauma * Presence of vestibular disorders * Presence of neurological diseases * Presence of cardiopulmonary diseases * Presence of other musculoskeletal disorders affecting participation * Pregnancy
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Üsküdar Üniversitesi
Umraniye, Istanbul, 34000, Turkey (Türkiye)
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