Virtual reality as a therapeutic resource in orthopedic and traumatological rehabilitation

Abstract

Introduction: Virtual reality (VR) as an approach to rehabilitation consists of creating a totally virtual, three-dimensional environment, where the patient interacts through visual, tactile, auditory, and sensory stimuli, recreating as much of the reality as possible. In the last two decades there has been an increase in the use of VR in orthopedic and traumatological rehabilitation due to its potential for safety and efficacy when integrated with clinical practice as a therapeutic resource. Objective: To analyze the evidence in the scientific literature on the use of VR as a central or adjuvant tool in the rehabilitation of patients with trauma-orthopedic problems. Method: It is a review of the integrative literature of scientific articles, without limitation of data or language, indexed in the MEDLINE, PEDro, SciELO, and LILACS databases, which addressed the role of VR as a therapeutic resource in orthopedic and traumatological injuries. Results: An analysis was performed using 15 randomized clinical trials which applied VR in orthopedic and traumatological disorders in the shoulder, cervical spine, lumbar spine, hip, knee and ankle. Compared with traditional physical therapy, 2 studies dissipated or less, 7 studies indicated superior efficacy and 6 pointed out the benefits of VR only as an adjunct to physiotherapeutic treatment. Conclusion: The VR is a promising approach and with an acceptable potential to optimize the results obtained in trauma-orthopedic rehabilitation, although it is necessary to carry out more clinical studies that point to a consensus on the effectiveness of the method.