Effect of virtual reality-based interventions in the management of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among office workers: a narrative review Doi: https://doi.org/10.55522/jhpo.V3I5.0090

Abstract

Office workers commonly have neck, back, and shoulder pain owing to poor posture and repetitive duties. They often result in pain, decreased mobility and poor work performance. Virtual reality (VR) based interventions have been developed as novel rehabilitation tools, offering immersive and interactive therapeutic environments. A narrative review was carried out through PubMed, ResearchGate and Google Scholar. Studies published from 2011 to 2025 were screened and 25 relevant studies that evaluated VR-based interventions for WMSDs among office workers were included. The VR based interventions were successful in reducing the pain and improving the functional outcomes in the reviewed studies. “VR has enhanced motivation and engagement in rehab programs with real-time feedback and interactive exercises. VR based rehabilitation can be used as an adjunct to conventional physiotherapy for the management of WMSDs among office workers. Higher quality RCTs are needed to standardise protocols and assess long-term efficacy.