Virtual Reality Approach in Subacromial Impingement Syndrome

The aim of our study is to investigate the effects of game-based virtual reality exercise added to conventional physiotherapy and rehabilitation program in patients with Subacromial Impingement Syndrome (SIS). In order to evaluate its effectiveness, assessment of pain, range of motion and disability will be applied.

Subacromial Impingement Syndrome (SIS) is the result of contraction of the structures passing through the subacromial area. Problems in upper limb function in people with SIS adversely affect quality of life and functional independence of the patients. Recovery of restricted daily life functions (such as dressing, personal care, eating and body care) is one of the main goals of physiotherapy and rehabilitation in SIS and currently, conventional physiotherapy and rehabilitation methods are most commonly used. The main purpose of this method is to reduce pain, increase range of motion and muscle strength. With the developing technology various virtual reality applications have begun to take place in physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs recently. These virtual reality applications are used to motivate the patient and keep their interest in the rehabilitation. In addition, the diversity of virtual reality applications is increasing day by day so that participation of the patients and the interest in the treatment can be increased. Various measurements of the user's performance can be transferred to the clinician simultaneously with these systems. Also for most of these systems exercise modes, difficulty and duration are programmable so that the training sessions can be varied. The aim of our study is to investigate the effects of game-based virtual reality exercises added to conventional physiotherapy and rehabilitation program in patients with SIS.