Neck Movement Training in a Virtual Reality Headset for People with Neck Pain - a Feasibility Study

VR intervention 8 weeks. A VR headset is used for assessment and training of sensorimotor functions of the neck. The VR headset has a built-in sensor which can measure movements and give objective test and training results. The results serve as a guide for tailored home-based training programs, also performed with the VR headset in the experimental group. The participant performs the training at home, 15-20 minutes/day 5 days/week, initiallay divided into 3 sessions of 5 minutes each, while progression may lead to longer but fewer sessions. The program is individually tailored to target specific sensorimotor disturbances, and progressed during the intervention to increase the challenge. Participants will have video consultations with their physiotherapist once a week for the first 4 weeks, and every second week for the final 4 weeks. This can be adjusted to fit the participants needs. The VR is a novel technology, and this particular VR based training is not yet evaluated in research.

An 8-week traditional endurance neck training intervention. The training program consists of neck and shoulder exercises performed with body weight, rubber bands, and free weights. The training is carried out at home, 15-20 minutes per day, 5 days a week. The training is individualized and progressed during the intervention. Participants will have video consultations with their physiotherapist once a week for the first 4 weeks, and then every second week for the final 4 weeks. This can be adjusted to fit the participants needs. This intervention is often used in the clinic and has been evaluated in several research studies with good results to reduce neck pain. However, its effects on sensorimotor functions have been less evaluated. Also, its effects compared to novel VR-training still needs to be evaluated.