The effectiveness of virtual reality distraction for pain reduction: A systematic review
Abstract
Virtual reality technology enables people to become immersed in a computer-simulated, three-dimensional environment. This article provides a comprehensive review of controlled research on the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) distraction for reducing pain. To be included in the review, studies were required to use a between-subjects or mixed model design in which VR distraction was compared with a control condition or an alternative intervention in relieving pain. An exhaustive search identified 11 studies satisfying these criteria. VR distraction was shown to be effective for reducing experimental pain, as well as the discomfort associated with burn injury care. Studies of needle-related pain provided less consistent findings. Use of more sophisticated virtual reality technology capable of fully immersing the individual in a virtual environment was associated with greater relief. Overall, controlled research suggests that VR distraction may be a useful tool for clinicians who work with a variety of pain problems.
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VW in the first-person perspective is an established tool for acute affect modulation and acute pain relief.
“It is known that VW in this perspective is an established tool for acute affect modulation and acute pain relief [22, 23].”
From Virtual walking therapy in neuropathic spinal cord injury pain: a feasibility study (2024) · cites this paper as [23]
In VR relaxation and VR pain management, presence is likely a mediator of intervention effects due to the inherent correlation with distraction from the outside and inside world.
“In VR relaxation [21] and VR pain management [36], presence is likely a mediator of intervention effects due to the inherent correlation with distraction from the outside and inside world”
From Experiences of gamified and automated virtual reality exposure therapy for spider phobia: qualitative study (2020) · cites this paper as [36]
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- Authors
- Malloy, K. M., & Milling, L. S.
- Affiliations
- University of Hartford (US)
- Corresponding author
- Milling, Leonard S.
- ORCID
- Milling, Leonard S.
- Venue
- Clinical Psychology Review
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2010-12
- Volume
- 30
- Issue
- 8
- Pages
- 1011-1018
- ISSN
- 0272-7358 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2164662311
- Cited by
- 653
- References
- 59
- Citations by year
- 2026: 44 · 2025: 72 · 2024: 52 · 2023: 67 · 2022: 59 · 2021: 75 · 2020: 66 · 2019: 53 · 2018: 51 · 2017: 31 · 2016: 18 · 2015: 18 · 2014: 23 · 2013: 9 · 2012: 7
- FWCI
- 2.06
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Clinical Psychology Review (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Human-Computer Interaction › Virtual Reality Applications and Impacts
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health › Pediatric Pain Management Techniques
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine › Pain Management and Treatment
- Keywords
- virtual reality, distraction therapy, analgesia, experimental pain, immersion, pain management
- MeSH terms
- Attention, Burns, Humans, Injections, Pain, Research, User-Computer Interface, Treatment Outcome, Controlled Clinical Trials as Topic, Pain Management
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