Sensorimotor Uncertainty of Immersive Virtual Reality Environments for People in Pain: Scoping Review

Abstract

Introduction: Decision making and action execution both rely on sensory information, and their primary objective is to minimise uncertainty. Virtual reality (VR) introduces uncertainty due to the imprecision of perceptual information. The concept of “sensorimotor uncertainty” is a pivotal element in the interplay between perception and action within the VR environment. The role of immersive VR in the four stages of motor behaviour decision making in people with pain has been previously discussed. These four processing levels are the basis to understand the uncertainty that a patient experiences when using VR: sensory information, current state, transition rules, and the outcome obtained. Methods: This review examines the different types of uncertainty that a patient may experience when they are immersed in a virtual reality environment in a context of pain. Randomised clinical trials, a secondary analysis of randomised clinical trials, and pilot randomised clinical trials related to the scope of Sensorimotor Uncertainty in Immersive Virtual Reality were included after searching. Results: Fifty studies were included in this review. They were divided into four categories regarding the type of uncertainty the intervention created and the stage of the decision-making model. Conclusions: Immersive virtual reality makes it possible to alter sensorimotor uncertainty, but studies of higher methodological quality are needed on this topic, as well as an exploration into the patient profile for pain management using immersive VR.