The Effects of Immersive Virtual Reality in Patients With Grade 1-2 Adhesive Capsulitis
The Effects of Immersive Virtual Reality-Based Exercise Therapy on Pain, Functionality, Sleep, and Cognitive Functions in Patients With Grade 1-2 Adhesive Capsulitis
Bahçeşehir University
36 participants
Nov 28, 2025
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) is a complex condition characterized by inflammation, fibrosis, and restriction of movement in the shoulder capsule, significantly limiting an individual's participation in daily living activities. It is most commonly observed in individuals aged between 40 and 60 years, and its treatment frequently involves approaches such as manual therapy, exercise, corticosteroid injections, and electrotherapy. However, these conventional methods may be limited by factors such as lack of motivation, pain-related avoidance behavior, and poor treatment adherence. Today, immersive virtual reality technologies introduce a new dimension to rehabilitation by gamifying exercise, providing sensory feedback, and enabling graded exposure through mechanisms such as distraction and engagement. They also enhance motivation and compliance with exercise programs. Studies in the literature have reported that virtual reality-based exercise is an effective method for reducing pain levels in patients diagnosed with frozen shoulder. However, only a limited number of studies have specifically examined the effects of immersive virtual reality in patients with adhesive capsulitis. To date, no study has investigated the impact of immersive virtual reality interventions on sleep and cognitive functions in these patients. Furthermore, the combined effect of patient education, home exercise programs, and immersive virtual reality therapy has not yet been explored. For these reasons, the present study aims to investigate the effects of immersive virtual reality-based exercise therapy on pain, functionality, sleep, and cognitive functions in patients with Grade 1-2 adhesive capsulitis.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria5
- Diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis by a doctor
- Classified as Grade 1-2 adhesive capsulitis
- Receiving physiotherapy for adhesive capsulitis for the first time
- Aged between 18 and 64 years
- Suitable for using a VR headset
Exclusion Criteria4
- Previous history of physiotherapy
- Presence of any mental disorder
- Recent surgery or any shoulder condition (e.g., fractures around the shoulder region) that contraindicates shoulder mobilization
- History of receiving injections
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Interventions
In the conventional exercise group, participants will perform range of motion exercises, pendulum exercises, finger ladder exercises, stretching, and strengthening exercises. The traditional exercise therapy will be administered twice a week for six weeks, with each session lasting 30 minutes. In addition, both groups will receive identical patient education and home exercise programs. Patient education will be delivered face-to-face for 30 minutes at the beginning of the intervention. The home exercise program will be performed progressively at home on non-intervention days, five days per week.
Patients in the immersive virtual reality-based exercise group will participate in the exercise program using the Oculus Quest 2 device. Sessions will be conducted twice a week for six weeks, each lasting 30 minutes. Two different virtual reality applications, Reach Shoulder Health and Guided Tai Chi, will be administered to the patients in this group. In addition, both groups will receive identical patient education and home exercise programs. Patient education will be delivered face-to-face for 30 minutes at the beginning of the intervention. The home exercise program will be performed progressively at home on non-intervention days, five days per week.
Locations(1)
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NCT07236229