Virtual Reality's Role in Neck Pain Assessment

Neck pain is a common issue for many people, affecting around 22% to 70% of the population. About 44% of these individuals may experience long-lasting symptoms. This pain can go beyond just being uncomfortable; it can influence how we feel and perceive our surroundings and may indicate damage to the soft tissues in the neck.

To assess neck pain, traditional methods often use practical tests to evaluate how well the neck moves. These tests help reveal how neck pain affects the body. Specifically, they look at the “joint position error” and related factors using motion tracking systems. These tests are generally easy for doctors to use and not very costly in terms of time or money. Additionally, using sensors in these tests can add valuable information and help monitor a patient's recovery.

One particular test known as the DidRen laser test is essential for evaluating neck movement. In this test, individuals sit in a chair and wear a helmet with a laser pointer. They must quickly and accurately turn their heads from side to side, hitting three red targets with the laser. If they successfully hit a target, lights above the target will confirm their success with a sound. This test focuses on both the sensory and motor functions of the neck and head and is connected to several important systems in the body.

Despite their usefulness, current testing methods have some limitations. Many tests are rigid and may not consider how the neck needs to move in real-life situations. While adding sensors can help, it can make the tests more complicated and harder to use in a clinical setting.

#The Role of Virtual Reality in Neck Pain Assessment

The rise of virtual reality (VR) technology offers a new way to address these limitations. VR can enhance clinical testing of neck and head movements due to the following reasons: First, VR headsets are now affordable for doctors and come equipped with accurate motion sensors. Second, VR environments can be easily changed to fit the needs of different patients, allowing for better tracking of progress in Rehabilitation.

One example of using VR for neck assessment is the Virtual Reality Test, which looks at how well patients move their necks. This VR approach has been shown to be more sensitive than traditional methods, helping to improve neck movement. However, attaching sensors to the head can still pose challenges, and the overall cost can be high for some medical settings.

Assessing neck movements using the DidRen laser test can be difficult and time-consuming in a clinical environment. Using a VR headset that simulates the DidRen laser test is a promising idea. It allows for better motion tracking thanks to the built-in sensors and enables various types of head movements, like looking up and to the side. Many adjustable parameters can be changed in a VR setup, such as target distance, the number of targets, and the time allowed to validate a hit.

The DidRen VR system, developed by researchers, includes the essential features of the original DidRen laser test while benefiting from the flexibility of virtual reality.

#Technical Setup of the DidRen VR Test

In the DidRen VR test, participants sit in a chair with a backrest and wear an Oculus VR headset. They perform head rotations to hit targets placed at set angles. Each movement completes a predetermined sequence that mimics the original DidRen laser test. Participants practice before the actual test to ensure they understand the task, which involves reaching targets quickly and accurately.

The participants go through various target distances randomly, and each test collects detailed movement data. Researchers can then analyze the time taken to hit targets and the speed of head movements.

#Analyzing Results and Effects of Age and Sex

The results from the DidRen VR test were analyzed to see how well the performances matched established theories about movement. The analysis focused on how age and sex might impact the results. Older individuals generally show different patterns in neck movement, and there could be differences in responses based on whether a participant is male or female.

The findings indicated that males tend to score lower in some performance metrics compared to females. This suggests that differences in mobility and movement abilities may exist between genders. Furthermore, age also plays a role in how individuals perform, suggesting that performance can vary widely among different age groups.

Understanding these variables is crucial for personalizing treatment plans. As neck pain often affects older individuals and tends to be higher in women, adapting rehabilitation strategies to fit these demographics could improve treatment effectiveness.

#The Significance of Fitts’ Law in the DidRen VR Test

The relationship between movement time and difficulty during the DidRen VR test aligns with a concept known as Fitts’ law. This law discusses the trade-off between speed and accuracy when reaching for targets. Results showed that movement times in the VR test were predictable based on target sizes and distances, indicating that the VR system accurately reflects real-world conditions for assessing neck mobility.

Using VR technology in clinical assessments offers a new opportunity to enhance engagement and performance tracking. Previous studies suggest that VR can improve participant engagement in therapeutic settings, and our findings support these earlier research efforts.

#Challenges and Future Directions

Despite the promising results, integrating VR into traditional neck assessments does come with challenges. Ensuring accurate movement tracking and minimizing latency is essential for the reliability of tests. These factors are crucial for maintaining the effectiveness of the assessment and ensuring a positive experience for users.

There is also a need for more research into how long-term VR rehabilitation affects patient outcomes compared to traditional methods. Most rehabilitation programs do not currently provide high-intensity training, but the DidRen VR system can easily incorporate intense training tailored to individual needs.

#Conclusion

The DidRen VR test shows promise as a reliable tool for assessing neck mobility. It effectively combines innovative VR technology with established assessment methods, backed by findings that support traditional theories about movement. The significant impact of age and sex on performance highlights the importance of personalized treatment approaches in rehabilitation.

As we continue to explore the application of VR in assessing and training neck movements, we open the door to more effective and engaging rehabilitation strategies that cater to diverse patient needs, ensuring better outcomes for individuals suffering from neck pain.