Brazilian Journal of Pain
https://brjp.org.br/article/doi/10.63231/2595-0118.e202686-en
Brazilian Journal of Pain
Original Article

Use of virtual reality as an adjunct tool for the acute reduction of pain in hospitalized patients

Uso da realidade virtual como ferramenta adjuvante para a redução aguda da dor em pacientes hospitalizados

Darlan Nitz; Cassia Fernanda Gianesini; Natascha Janaína Friedrich Eidt; Jéssica Regis Reis; Isabelle Ferreira; Natalia Veronez da-Cunha

http://dx.doi.org/10.63231/2595-0118.e202686-en BrJP, vol.9, e202686, 2026
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Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience, frequent among hospitalized patients, and its management remains a clinical challenge. Virtual reality (VR) has been investigated as a complementary resource to promote reduction in pain perception. The objective of this study was to evaluate the acute analgesic effect of VR on pain intensity in hospitalized patients and compare session duration and pain reduction among immersive video categories.

METHODS: This retrospective observational study was conducted using electronic medical records of patients treated by the physiotherapy team in a hospital. Individuals aged ≥14 years, admitted to the intensive care unit or inpatient unit between January 2023 and July 2025, were included. Pain was assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale before and after physiotherapy sessions combined with the use of VR headsets. The videos displayed immersive natural landscapes. Data was analyzed considering the significance level of p<0.05.

RESULTS: A total of 178 medical records were analyzed, corresponding to 226 sessions. The mean age of participants was 53±21 years, with a predominance of female patients (55%) and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions (61%). There was a significant reduction in pain after VR use from pre-intervention to post-intervention values (pre = 6.1±2.5; post = 2.8±2.4; p<0.0001). The mean session duration was 12.4 ± 6.7 minutes. No significant differences were observed among video categories.

CONCLUSION: VR was associated with an acute reduction in pain intensity among hospitalized patients, with no differences among immersive video categories.

Keywords

Acute pain; Analgesia; Hospitalization; Pain measurement; Rehabilitation

Resumo

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A dor é uma experiência sensorial e emocional desagradável, frequente entre pacientes hospitalizados, e seu manejo permanece um desafio clínico. A realidade virtual (RV) tem sido investigada como recurso complementar para promover a redução da percepção dolorosa. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito analgésico agudo da RV sobre a intensidade da dor em pacientes hospitalizados e comparar a duração das sessões e a redução da dor entre as categorias de vídeos imersivos.

MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo observacional retrospectivo, realizado por meio da análise de prontuários eletrônicos de pacientes atendidos pela equipe de fisioterapia em um hospital. Foram incluídos indivíduos com idade ≥14 anos, internados em unidade de terapia intensiva ou unidade de internação entre janeiro de 2023 e julho de 2025. A dor foi avaliada por meio da Escala Numérica de Dor antes e após sessões de fisioterapia associadas ao uso de óculos de RV. Os vídeos exibidos apresentavam paisagens naturais imersivas. Os dados foram analisados considerando nível de significância de p<0,05.

RESULTADOS: Foram analisados 178 prontuários, correspondentes a 226 sessões. A média de idade dos participantes foi de 53±21 anos, com predomínio de pacientes do sexo feminino (55%) e de internações em unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI) (61%). Observou-se redução significativa da dor após o uso da RV, comparando-se os valores pré e pós-intervenção (pré = 6,1±2,5; pós = 2,8±2,4; p<0,0001). A duração média das sessões foi de 12,4±6,7 minutos. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre as categorias de vídeos.

CONCLUSÃO: A RV esteve associada à redução aguda da intensidade da dor em pacientes hospitalizados, sem diferenças entre as categorias de vídeos imersivos.

Palavras-chave

Analgesia; Dor aguda; Hospitalização; Mensuração da dor; Reabilitação

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Submitted date:
11/26/2025

Accepted date:
06/29/2026

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