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Virtual reality versus conventional exercise for knee osteoarthritis: protocol for a randomised controlled trial on
Isabel Tunas-Maceiras1,2, Javier Pereira3,4, Sonia Pértega Díaz5
1CITIC Centre for Information and Communications Technology Research, University of A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain i.tunas@udc.es.
BMJ Open
|October 21, 2025
Summary
Virtual reality exercise may improve knee osteoarthritis symptoms and function more than traditional exercises in older adults. This study compares VR interventions to standard therapy for pain, stiffness, and mobility in knee OA patients.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a significant cause of disability and economic burden in older adults.
- Exercise, particularly lower limb strength training, is crucial for OA management.
- Virtual reality (VR) offers immersive environments for functional movement exercises, with potential benefits for pain, function, and fall risk in OA, though further research is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of a VR-based intervention against conventional therapeutic exercise for improving pain, stiffness, physical function, and movement biomechanics in adults aged 60+ with knee OA.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial protocol comparing immersive VR interventions (Meta Quest 3, 18 sessions over 8 weeks) with standard therapeutic exercises (Osteoarthritis Research Society International guidelines).
- Participants (aged 60+ with knee OA) are randomized 1:1 to VR or control groups.
- Outcomes include OA symptoms, kinematic performance, pain, kinesiophobia, and fall risk, assessed at baseline, 9 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months. Data analysis uses intention-to-treat principles.
Main Results:
- This section is not available as the study is a protocol and results are pending.
Conclusions:
- This study protocol outlines a rigorous randomized controlled trial to investigate the potential of VR interventions as a superior alternative to conventional exercise for managing knee OA in older adults.
- Findings could inform clinical practice and the development of innovative rehabilitation strategies for knee OA, potentially enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life.
