Adherence to virtual reality interventions in chronic pain: a systematic review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v80.119312Keywords:
adherence, chronic pain, rehabilitation, virtual realityAbstract
Introduction: chronic pain is a highly prevalent and persistent condition, characterized by low adherence to therapeutic interventions, which compromises clinical effectiveness and functional outcomes. in this context, virtual reality has emerged as an innovative strategy to optimize patient engagement.
Objective: to examine how adherence is defined, measured, and reported in virtual reality–based interventions for individuals with chronic pain, as well as to describe observed adherence levels and the methodological approaches used.
Methodology: a systematic review was conducted following prisma guidelines, including randomized controlled trials identified in major databases. adherence was analyzed through a structured narrative synthesis, organizing indicators according to the abc taxonomy: initiation, implementation, and persistence.
Results: seven studies were included, revealing substantial heterogeneity in the definition and measurement of adherence. Reported adherence levels ranged from 64% to 94%, with greater consistency in home-based interventions. Measurement methods included objective logs, percentage of completed exercise, session completion, and retention, highlighting a lack of standardization.
Discussion: virtual reality demonstrated adherence levels equal to or higher than conventional interventions; however, these findings appear to be more influenced by contextual and accessibility factors than by the level of technological immersion. Methodological variability limits comparability and the identification of optimal adherence thresholds.
Conclusions: virtual reality shows favorable adherence levels, but its impact depends on the standardization of adherence measurement and the design of interventions within real clinical contexts.
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