Year: 2026 | Month: January-March | Volume: 11 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 31-36
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/gijhsr.20260104
Evaluating the Effectiveness, Patient Engagement, and Safety Concerns of Immersive Virtual Reality–Based Exercise Programs in Musculoskeletal Dysfunctions: A Narrative Review
R. Kamalakannan1, Ajay Kumar2, Bhavika Gohel3, Radhika Gopal. S4, Vivek. V Menon5
1,4Associate professor, Institute of Physiotherapy, Srinivas University City campus, Mangalore 575001, Karnataka, India.
2Professor, Institute of Physiotherapy, Srinivas University City campus, Pandeshwar, Mangalore 575001, Karnataka, India.
3Associate Professor, C. U. Shah Physiotherapy College, Surendranagar, India,
5Assistant professor, Institute of Physiotherapy, Srinivas University City campus, Mangalore 575001, Karnataka, India.
Corresponding Author: R. Kamalakannan
ABSTRACT
Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) remain a global contributor to disability, characterized by pain, limited function, and reduced quality of life. Conventional physiotherapy is effective, but treatment adherence, kinesiophobia, and psychosocial factors often reduce long-term outcomes. Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) has emerged as a promising rehabilitation tool to enhance exercise engagement, decrease pain, and improve functional outcomes.
Purpose: To narratively review current evidence on the clinical effectiveness, patient engagement, and safety concerns—including cybersickness—of IVR‐mediated exercise programs for musculoskeletal dysfunctions (MSDs).
Methods: Peer-reviewed studies and systematic reviews related to IVR rehabilitation for MSDs were screened. Major outcomes of interest included pain, function, adherence, kinesiophobia, safety, and cybersickness.
Results: Evidence demonstrates that IVR positively influences pain reduction, functional improvement, motivation, and treatment adherence. Several studies report benefits for chronic musculoskeletal pain, knee osteoarthritis, and post-surgical rehabilitation. IVR may address psychosocial barriers such as fear-avoidance and kinesiophobia. However, cybersickness remains a recognized adverse effect influenced by task complexity, frequency-dependent VR content, and technical limitations. Evidence for personalized IVR systems in home-based care is emerging.
Conclusion: IVR is a beneficial adjunct to musculoskeletal rehabilitation, improving pain, function, and engagement. Although cybersickness remains a concern, technological refinements have reduced associated risks. More rigorous randomized trials are required to establish optimal protocols, safety profiles, and long-term outcomes.
Keywords: Virtual Reality, immersive VR, musculoskeletal disorders, rehabilitation, cybersickness, patient engagement.