The User Experience of Immersive Virtual Reality Induced Hypoalgesia
Information extracted from: Guerra-Armas J, Flores-Cortes M, Ceniza-Bordallo G, Matamala-Gomez M. User Experience in Immersive Virtual Reality-Induced Hypoalgesia in Adults and Children Suffering from Pain Conditions. J Clin Med. 2023 Aug 1;12(15):5122. doi: 10.3390/jcm12155122.
Table of Contents
- 1. Distraction: Reduction of Acute Pain
- 2. Presence: Immersing in the Virtual Environment
- 3. Interactivity: Active Participation for Greater Analgesia
- 4. Gamification: Motivation and Treatment Adherence
- 5. Virtual Embodiment: Connection with the Digital Body
- 6. Conclusion: Personalization for Effective Treatment
Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) is revolutionizing pain treatment, offering an innovative, non-pharmacological alternative for adults and children. Its impact goes beyond simple distraction: it modifies pain perception in the short and long term, influencing motor and sensory processing through neuroplasticity.
But what makes the user experience in IVR key to enhancing these analgesic effects? Studies point to five key factors:
1. Distraction: Reduction of Acute Pain
IVR acts as a powerful distraction tool, reducing the intensity of pain and anxiety, especially in children (Indovina et al., 2018, Tas et al., 2022). By focusing attention on an immersive environment, the brain reduces the perception of painful signals (Pretat et al., 2025).
2. Presence: Immersing in the Virtual Environment
The sensation of “being there” within the virtual environment is key to enhancing analgesia. The greater the presence and multisensory experience, the better the hypoalgesic effects (Colloca et al., 2020, Brown et al., 2022). Children, thanks to their imagination and capacity for immersive play, experience this effect even more intensely (Won et al., 2017).
3. Interactivity: Active Participation for Greater Analgesia
A higher level of engagement within the virtual environment amplifies pain reduction (Lier et al., 2018). The ability to interact with the virtual environment enhances motor learning and pain modulation.
4. Gamification: Motivation and Treatment Adherence
Gamification elements not only increase user satisfaction, but also improve adherence to treatment and reduce fatigue during physical activity (Mouatt et al., 2020). Integrating game dynamics into IVR makes the rehabilitation process more engaging and effective.
5. Virtual Embodiment: Connection with the Digital Body
The sensation of possessing a virtual body within the IVR (“embodiment”) is crucial for the modulation of pain perception. To achieve this sense of embodiment, it is necessary that the system complies with components such as (Arzy et al 2006, Matamala-Gomez et al 2021):
– Co-localization (being located in the same place as the real body)
– Agency (having control over the actions of the virtual body)
– Ownership (having the feeling of owning the virtual body)
– Perspective (observing the virtual body from an egocentric point of view)
A proper multisensory integration strengthens the relationship between the body and the virtual environment, optimizing the therapeutic effects.
Conclusion: Personalization for Effective Treatment
RVI-induced hypoalgesia is not a chance effect; it is the result of a strategic combination of these five factors. To maximize its benefits, it is essential to design personalized immersive experiences tailored to the specific needs of each patient.
At Dynamics VR, we integrate these principles into our VR rehabilitation solutions, providing an optimized pain management experience. Discover how our technology can transform your patients’ recovery.
Contact us today!
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