The effect of virtual reality-based balance education on postural control and quality of life in individuals with myofacial pain syndrome

Myofascial pain syndrome is a common musculoskeletal disorder. It is a disorder characterized by a tight band on the muscle and tender points on it. Pain, psychological disorders, sleep disorders, decreased range of motion, loss of strength and balance disorders are seen. Myofascial release technique is frequently used, and virtual reality-based balance training is a treatment method that has been published recently. In this study, it was aimed to examine the effectiveness of virtual reality-based balance training on postural control and quality of life in individuals with myofascial pain syndrome. Individuals with myofascial pain syndrome living in Kilis were invited to our study on a voluntary basis. Person with myofascial pain syndrome (n=29) participated in the study. Group 1 received 20 minutes of myofascial release technique and 20 minutes of virtual reality-based balance rehabilitation. 2. Myofascial release technique was applied only for 20 minutes. Walking was recommended for the control group. Training was given 12 times over 4 weeks. It was evaluated 3 times in total. Pain level was evaluated with Mc Gill Pain Questionnaire, quality of life with Nottingham Health Profile, sleep quality with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, psychological status with SCL-90, postural status with New York Posture Analysis, balance status with Romberg posture . Evaluation was made in tandem stance, on one leg on soft and hard ground, with eyes open and closed. Significant changes occurred in both groups in terms of quality of life, pain level, and sleep quality levels (p<0.05). Group 1 had more significant changes in psychological status compared to group 2 (p<0.05). In the postural analysis, significant changes were observed in the parallelism of the shoulder to the ground, the parallelism of the hip to the ground, and the protraction of the shoulder in group 1, while significant changes occurred only in the parallelism of the shoulder to the ground in group 2 (p<0.05). In balance parameters , significant changes occurred in all eye-closed parameters except the romberg balance test in group 1, (p<0.05), improvement was observed in the romberg score. In Group 2, there was a significant change only in the evaluations of the hard floor on the right foot. In conclusion, myofascial release techniques and virtual reality-based balance training have significant effects on postural control and quality of life in individuals with myofascial pain syndrome.