Virtual Reality and Applications in The Rehabilitation of Shoulder Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Narrative Review

  • Authors

    • Om Wadhokar Assistant Professor, Department of Musculoskeletal Sciences, Dr. D.Y. Patil College of Physiotherapy, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India, Ph.D Scholar, Department of Public Health, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Sawangi(M), Wardha, Maharashtra, India
    • Seema Saini Professor, Department of Musculoskeletal Sciences, Dr. D.Y. Patil College of Physiotherapy, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India
    • Tushar Palekar Professor, Department of Musculoskeletal Sciences, Dr. D.Y. Patil College of Physiotherapy, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India
    • Sakshi Yede Resident, Department of Musculoskeletal Sciences, Dr. D.Y. Patil College of Physiotherapy, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India
    • Vanshika Tandon Resident, Department of Musculoskeletal Sciences, Dr. D.Y. Patil College of Physiotherapy, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India
    • Jayantika Bhardwaj Resident, Department of Musculoskeletal Sciences, Dr. D.Y. Patil College of Physiotherapy, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India
    https://doi.org/10.14419/xp6hfk23

    Received date: June 9, 2025

    Accepted date: September 10, 2025

    Published date: October 2, 2025

  • Virtual Reality, Shoulder Rehabilitation, Musculoskeletal Disorders, Shoulder Pain, Shoulder Dysfunction, and Physical Therapy, Review Article‎.

  • Abstract

    Background: Shoulder musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) can significantly impair daily activities and quality of life. Traditional rehabilitation, while effective, requires considerable time, effort, and resources. Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a novel tool, offering immersive, engaging, and interactive rehabilitation experiences that can improve motivation and outcomes. 

    Objective:  This review explores the effectiveness, benefits, challenges, and future potential of VR-based rehabilitation in treating shoulder MSDs. 

    Methods: A narrative review was conducted by searching Google Scholar, PubMed, PEDro, Web of Science, and Scopus. MeSH terms such as “Virtual Reality,” “Shoulder Rehabilitation,” and “Musculoskeletal Disorders” were used. Inclusion criteria focused on studies evaluating VR’s impact on shoulder MSDs through experimental designs, case studies, or randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Studies involving non-shoulder conditions or neurological disorders were excluded. 

    Results: Studies demonstrated that VR-based rehabilitation improved range of motion (ROM), pain reduction, and patient engagement. Gamification elements boosted motivation and adherence compared to traditional therapies. Combining VR with conventional approaches resulted in faster recovery, especially in conditions like frozen shoulder and subacromial impingement.

    Conclusion: VR offers promising benefits in managing shoulder MSDs by enhancing patient engagement and recovery. While preliminary evidence supports its use as a complementary tool to traditional therapy, further research is needed to assess its cost-effectiveness, long-term viability, and integration into clinical practice.

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  • How to Cite

    Wadhokar, O. ., Saini, S. ., Palekar , T. ., Yede, S., Tandon, V., & Bhardwaj, J. (2025). Virtual Reality and Applications in The Rehabilitation of Shoulder Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Narrative Review. International Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 14(6), 21-28. https://doi.org/10.14419/xp6hfk23