Utilizing Virtual Reality in the Treatment of Subacromial Impingement Syndrome: Enhancing Efficacy Through Integration with the Simple Shoulder Test and Pain Arch Test

Abstract

Subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS) is a prevalent cause of shoulder pain and dysfunction. This study investigates the impact of virtual reality (VR) therapy on shoulder function, joint dysfunction, and pain in SIS patients, comparing its effectiveness to traditional rehabilitation methods. Materials and Methods: Over 50 weeks, 288 participants with SIS were recruited and divided into two groups: an experimental group (EG) receiving VR-augmented therapy and a control group (CG) undergoing conventional rehabilitation. Recovery was assessed using the Painful Arch Test and Simple Shoulder Test (SST) at key intervals (T0, T1, T2, and T3). Statistical analysis was conducted to evaluate recovery times and functional improvements. Results: The EG showed significantly faster recovery with a mean duration of 6.04 weeks compared to 7.01 weeks for the CG (p = 0.0041), as determined by the Welch Two Sample t-test. The 95% confidence interval (0.3137 to 1.6330) confirmed the reliability of these findings. The VR group demonstrated sustained functional improvements, as evidenced by narrower interquartile ranges and more stable SST scores over time, particularly by Session 18, indicating reduced variability and faster recovery compared to the CG. Conclusion: VR therapy significantly accelerates recovery in SIS patients, offering faster and more consistent outcomes compared to conventional rehabilitation. These findings highlight the potential of VR as a non-invasive and effective treatment for improving shoulder function in SIS. Further research is warranted to explore its long-term efficacy and potential for personalized rehabilitation programs.