Immersive VR movement visualization in patients with hemophilic knee arthropathy: randomized, multicenter, single-blind clinical trial

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of an immersive movement visualization intervention in patients with hemophilia and hemophilic knee arthropathy. Materials and methods: Randomized, single-blind clinical study. Twenty-eight patients with hemophilia were recruited. Patients were randomized to an experimental group (four weeks of immersive movement visualization) and a control group (no intervention). The intensity of pain, pressure pain threshold in the knee, tibialis anterior muscle, lower back level, conditioned pain modulation, range of knee motion, and lower limb functionality were evaluated. Results: There were statistically significant differences in the intergroup effect on knee pain intensity (F = 23.71; p < 0.001) and lower limb functionality (F = 7.11; p = 0.003). 42.86% of the patients in the experimental group exhibited changes greater than the minimum detectable change (MDC) in functionality. 39.29% of the patients subject to the intervention experienced changes greater than the MDC in the knee pressure pain threshold. Conclusions: Immersive motion visualization can improve the intensity of joint pain and functionality in patients with hemophilic knee arthropathy. Functionality, pressure pain threshold, and pain intensity improved in those patients who conducted immersive movement visualization.