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Virtual Reality-Based Mindfulness for Chronic Pain Management: A Scoping Review
Siobhan O'Connor1, Alison Mayne2, Beverley Hood2
1From the School of Nursing and Midwifery, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland.
Summary
Virtual reality (VR) mindfulness applications show promise for chronic pain management, offering physical and mental health benefits. However, more rigorous research is needed to confirm effectiveness due to current study limitations.
Area of Science:
- Digital health
- Pain management
- Mindfulness-based interventions
Background:
- Chronic pain affects millions globally, necessitating innovative management strategies.
- Virtual reality (VR) and mindfulness are emerging as potential therapeutic tools.
- Integrating VR with mindfulness offers a novel approach to pain management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and synthesize scientific literature on virtual reality (VR)-based mindfulness applications for adult chronic pain management.
- To explore the benefits, engagement, and usability of these interventions.
- To identify gaps and guide future research in this area.
Main Methods:
- A scoping review was conducted following PRISMA-ScR guidelines.
- Searches were performed in major databases (PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane Library) using keywords: "virtual reality", "mindfulness", and "chronic pain".
- Thematic analysis (Braun and Clarke) was used to synthesize findings from included studies.
Main Results:
- Seven studies were included, revealing themes of physical/mental health benefits, treatment engagement, and intervention usability.
- Usability subthemes included cybersickness, physical limitations, technical support, and personalized design.
- Findings suggest potential for VR mindfulness to improve chronic pain management.
Conclusions:
- VR-based mindfulness applications show potential for enhancing chronic pain management.
- Current evidence is limited by weak study designs and small sample sizes.
- Future research should focus on co-designing and rigorously testing VR mindfulness interventions with chronic pain populations.
