Background: Worldwide attention for paediatric burns that affect long-term functionality and quality of life. Potential evidence regarding virtual reality (VR) systems have also been researched and demonstrated some promise in managing pain and promoting functional activities. In addition, well-known support systems and multimodal therapy techniques may lessen general anxiety, which in turn may lessen the perception of pain during the healing process.
Purpose: This study aimed to declare the difference between using immersive virtual reality versus traditional physical therapy on pain management, and improvement of joints` mobility in paediatric burn patients.
Method: Sixty participants of both genders with acute burn patients have 2nd degree thermal burn injury affected upper limb from Al Kasr El-Aini and Om El-Misryeen Hospitals. They were divided into two equal groups at random: Group A underwent splinting and three sessions of traditional physical therapy per week for eight weeks, along with an immersive virtual reality programs and group B received only traditional physical therapy for eight weeks, three sessions each week, and splinting. Evaluation involving color visual analogue scale & digital goniometer. Statistical analyses with significance level 0.05 level.
Result: Baseline analysis showed no significant differences following treatment, both groups showed a large rise in digital goniometer reported values and a significant drop in colour visual analogue scale reported values. However, following therapy, group A showed a considerable decrease in discomfort and increase in mobility in their upper limb joints when compared to group B.
Conclusion: Application of immersive virtual reality and/or traditional physical therapy were valuable for managing paediatric burn patients, with superiority for immersive virtual reality in terms of pain management, and joints` mobility. Therefore, could be recommended in immersive virtual reality for paediatric burn patients' management.