VR for Pain Distraction

Although our VR experiences are not intended as a medical therapy, there is a rapid increase of scientific publications that evidence the positive impact on, for example, perceived pain. A recent meta-analysis⁵, reviewing a staggering 299 clinical studies, indicated that participants receiving a VR intervention experienced less pain than about 82% of control group participants.

Virtual reality changes the perception of pain in the brain, thus reducing the suffering we experience. Functional MRI images have demonstrated a significant reduction in pain-related brain activity while using VR⁶. With repeated virtual reality exposure, the positive effect on pain reduction remains, so it is definitely more than a one-time ‘fun’ experience. More and more scientists suggest that it can help bring pain medication down.

The explanation is as simple as it is promising: qualitative immersion in a different world distracts the mind, and distraction helps reduce the focus on pain⁷. It is an old, proven method – parents do it all the time, distracting their crying little children with a small gift, a new activity, or a surprise gesture.

The strength of the illusion that one is actually in a different world, is important according to scientist. Good immersion combined can bring real relief⁸. Also science confirms our preference for interactive virtual worlds, as opposed to VR based on photo or video. Adult participants reported a 32% greater reduction in time spent thinking about pain and a 75% greater reduction in affective pain (anxiety and bother) using interactive VR, just like ours⁹.

All in all, science tells us that VR’s benign distractions are as powerful for pain relief as many other popular psychological interventions for pain. And although our products are not intended as medical pain therapy, the immersiveness of our VR worlds may certainly contribute to distraction from pain!