VIRTUAL REALITY GRADED EXPOSURE THERAPY FOR CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN: A FEASIBILITY AND ACCEPTABILITY STUDY.

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a leading cause of disability worldwide, with traditional graded exposure therapy (GET) frequently limited by high costs and patient attrition. This pilot study examines the feasibility and acceptability of a virtual reality (VR) dodgeball game designed for CLBP rehabilitation. The game integrates graded activity, biofeedback, and gamification principles, tailored to individual patients' range of motion using full-body tracking. The study involved evaluations by three pain rehabilitation experts, two CLBP patients, and 16 healthy participants. Results demonstrated high feasibility in clinical settings, with patients reporting high acceptability, describing the game as fun and engaging, and noting increased movement without exacerbating pain. While these preliminary findings are promising, further research with larger cohorts is necessary to validate efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]