Year: 2026 | Month: July | Volume: 16 | Issue: 7 | Pages: 162-175
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20260717
Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Training and Neuromuscular Exercises on Pain and Physical Function in Individuals with Osteoarthritis of Knee: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Helly Patel1, Bhumika Patel2
1Second Year Masters of Physiotherapy in Musculoskeletal Sciences Student, 2Assistant Professor,
S.S Agrawal Institute of Physiotherapy & Medical Care Education, Navsari, India.
Corresponding Author: Helly Patel
ABSTRACT
Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is a common degenerative musculoskeletal condition that causes pain, decreased mobility, and diminished physical function. A key component of conservative management is still exercise-based rehabilitation. Neuromuscular exercises (NME) and virtual reality training (VRT) have recently drawn interest as successful rehabilitation techniques.
Aim: To compare the effectiveness of Virtual Reality Training and Neuromuscular Exercises on pain and physical function in individuals with knee osteoarthritis.
Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted on 66 individuals with grade II or III knee OA according to Kellgren-Lawrence criteria. Participants were allocated using a computer-generated randomization sequence with allocation concealment through sealed opaque envelopes. Group A received Virtual Reality Training with conventional therapy, while Group B received Neuromuscular Exercises with conventional therapy. Interventions were administered 3 sessions/week for 6 weeks. Outcome measures included Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), and Modified WOMAC Scale (mWOMAC). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 23.
Results: 66 participants (54 females, 12 males; mean age 51.89±4.15 years) completed the study. Both groups showed significant improvements in NPRS, TUG, and mWOMAC scores following intervention for within group analysis (p<0.001). Between-group analysis demonstrated significantly greater pain reduction in the Virtual Reality Training group (NPRS: 3.27±0.76 vs. 4.21±0.96, p<0.001), while no significant differences were observed for TUG (p=0.263) or mWOMAC (p=0.070).
Conclusion: Both Virtual Reality Training and Neuromuscular Exercises are effective in improving pain and physical function in individuals with knee OA. VRT demonstrated superior improvement in pain reduction, whereas both interventions were equally effective in improving functional outcomes.
Key words: Knee Osteoarthritis, Virtual Reality, Neuromuscular Exercises, Pain, Physical Function, Osteoarthritis rehabilitation