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The feasibility and effectiveness of virtual reality meditation on reducing chronic pain for older adults with knee osteoarthritis

Tara D. Sarkar, Robert R Edwards, Nancy Baker

Pain Practice September 1, 2022 DOI: 10.1111/papr.13144 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Pilot study Peer reviewed
Sample size 19
Population Older adults aged 60+ with chronic osteoarthritis knee pain
Intervention Virtual reality meditation
Duration 10-minute VR session, with follow-up at 24–48 hours
Topics Meditation
Key points VR meditation produced significant moderate to large analgesic effects on knee pain intensity during VR (d = 1.10) and post-VR (d = 0.99), with some lasting effects into the next day (d = 0.58). Negative affect decreased significantly (d = 1.14), and pain interference with daily activities improved up to 24–48 hours later.

Abstract

Abstract There is an urgent need for safe and effective nonpharmacologic approaches to treat chronic knee pain in older adults. Although virtual reality (VR) has shown some effectiveness for acute pain, there is limited evidence on the effects of VR on chronic pain particularly with older adult populations. This single application, within‐subject pilot study evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of VR as a clinical treatment for older adults with chronic osteoarthritis knee pain. Nineteen participants aged 60+ years old participated in a 10‐min VR meditation program. Data on pain and affect were collected immediately prior to, post, and 24–48 h after the VR. Results suggest that VR meditation had significant moderate to large analgesic effects on knee pain intensity, primarily during VR ( d = 1.10) and post VR ( d = 0.99), with some lasting effects into next day ( d = 0.58). The findings also suggest VR meditation intervention had a positive effect on affect, with a significant large decrease in negative affect scores pre‐ to post‐VR ( d = 1.14). The significant moderate to large decreases in pain interference for normal work ( d = 0.71), mood ( d = 0.53), sleep ( d = 0.67), and enjoyment of life ( d = 0.72) suggest that older adults may have a higher ability to participate in meaningful daily activities up to 24–48 h after VR meditation. VR appears to be a feasible and effective nonpharmacological tool for older adults to treat chronic overall and knee‐specific pain.

Comparable studies

Other non-randomized and open-label trials on meditation, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in Relation to Quality of Life, Mood, Symptoms of Stress, and Immune Parameters in Breast and Prostate Cancer Outpatients Early-stage breast and prostate cancer patients 2003 Pre-post intervention study n = 59
Exploring self‐compassion and empathy in the context of mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) Community sample 2010 Pre-post intervention study
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Lowers Psychological Distress In Medical Students Second-year medical students 2003 Prospective nonrandomized cohort-controlled study n = 302
Intensive meditation training, immune cell telomerase activity, and psychological mediators. Retreat participants and matched controls 2011 Controlled trial with wait-list control group n = 60
The Effectiveness of Mindfulness Training for Children with ADHD and Mindful Parenting for their Parents Children aged 8-12 with ADHD and their parents 2011 Within-group waitlist controlled trial n = 22

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