Leveraging technology-based interventions with varying levels of immersion for the assessment of low back pain: a...

Recent technological advances offer new perspectives for the assessment and management of low back pain (LBP). Due to the multidimensional nature of pain, assessment methods must continuously evolve. Although some studies have analyzed the impact of LBP on gait under real-world conditions, their clinical applicability remains limited by methodological constraints. Technology-based interventions with different levels of immersion (TBILI) are therefore being explored as an alternative, since locomotor behaviors appear to be largely preserved in simulated environments. The objective of this scoping review is to identify the potential contribution of TBILI to the assessment of LBP.

In accordance with JBI recommendations and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, studies meeting the PCC criteria were selected. These included a population with low back pain, a concept using TBILI assessment, and a context focusing on the mechanisms of action of TBILI.

Thirty-nine studies (2547 patients; mean age: 46.8 ± 10.4 years) were analyzed. Pain intensity (n = 31) and physical function (n = 28) were the most reported assessment outcomes. Feedback (n = 18) and motivation (n = 16) were the most identified mechanisms among a broad range of TBILI action mechanisms. Immersive technology seems used for bodily awareness or biopsychosocial approach while non-immersive technology seems used for motivation and sensory modulation. However, methodological heterogeneity and a lack of standardization limit the clinical applicability of TBILI.

TBILI demonstrate strong potential for the assessment and management of LBP. Standardization of protocols and better integration of biopsychosocial dimensions are required to fully realize this potential.