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Papers of the Week


Papers: 25 May 2019 - 31 May 2019

RESEARCH TYPE:
Psychology


Human Studies


2019


PLoS One


14


5

Efficacy of virtual reality to reduce chronic low back pain: Proof-of-concept of a non-pharmacological approach on pain, quality of life, neuropsychological and functional outcome.

Authors

Alemanno F, Houdayer E, Emedoli D, Locatelli M, Mortini P, Mandelli C, Raggi A, Iannaccone S
PLoS One. 2019; 14(5):e0216858.
PMID: 31120892.

Abstract

Chronic pain, such as low-back pain, can be a highly disabling condition degrading people's quality of life (QoL). Not every patient responds to pharmacological therapies, thus alternative treatments have to be developed. The chronicity of pain can lead to a somatic dysperception, meaning a mismatch between patients' own body perception and its actual physical state. Since clinical evaluation of pain relies on patients' subjective reports, a body image disruption can be associated with an incorrect pain rating inducing incorrect treatment and a possible risk of drug abuse. Our aim was to reduce chronic low-back pain through a multimodal neurorehabilitative strategy using innovative technologies to help patients regain a correct body image.