Impact of virtual reality on distraction level from pain stimuli
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15503/onis2020.115.122Keywords:
virtual reality, pain, distraction, tension, relaxation, cold-pressor, VRAbstract
Aim of the study: Testing the effectiveness of three pain stimuli distraction types based on the use of virtual reality.
Materials and Methods: 16 students aged 20-32 were, using virtual reality goggles, exposed to the stimulating distraction condition – a rollercoaster ride, relaxing distraction condition – a walk through the forest or control condition - a black screen was displayed. The pain was induced by submerging one’s arm in freezing water. The measures of the distraction effectiveness were: the time for which the participant could withstand the pain stimulus and a VAS scale, on which participants rated the level of pain they felt. At the end, the measurments were compared to the results of the PTS temperament survey.
Results: Participants withstood the pain stimulus significantly longer in the distraction condition than in the control condition; however, no significant differences were found between the stimulating and the relaxing condition. None of the conditions had any influence on the reported level of pain. Women withstood the pain stimuli significantly longer than men in both the stimulating and the relaxing condition and reported a lower level of pain in the stimulating condition than men. A significant, positive correlation between PTS’ Strength of Inhibition subscale result and the time of withstanding the pain stimulus was found in all three conditions of the experiment.
Outcome: Evidence of the influence of virtual reality-based distraction on extending the pain stimulus suppression time has been provided. However, no differences in distraction effectiveness between the stimulating and relaxing condition have been observed.
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References
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