title: Virtual reality in the treatment of fibromyalgia: a pilot study.
abstract: The aim of this article is to present preliminary data on the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) as an adjunct to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in the treatment of fibromyalgia (FM). The sample comprised six women diagnosed with FM according to the American College of Rheumatology guidelines (1990). The treatment program consisted of 10 sessions of group CBT with the support of an adaptive virtual environment containing a specific content for developing relaxation and mindfulness skills. Patients were assessed at pretreatment, post-treatment, and at a 6-month follow-up for the following outcome variables: functional status related to pain, depression, a negative and positive affect, and coping skills. The results showed the long-term benefits of significantly reduced pain and depression and an increased positive affect and use of healthy coping strategies. This is the first study showing a preliminary utility of VR in treating FM.
authors.affiliation: Department Psicologia Basica, Clinica y Psicobiologia. Universitat Jaume I , Castellon, Spain.
authors.forename: Cristina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Botella
authors.forename: Azucena
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Garcia-Palacios
authors.forename: Yolanda
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Vizcaíno
authors.forename: Rocio
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Herrero
authors.forename: Rosa Maria
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Baños
authors.forename: Miguel Angel
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Belmonte
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005356:Fibromyalgia / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D059408:Pain Management / Q000379:methods; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014584:User-Computer Interface