Virtual Reality in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation: Knowledge, Experience and Perceptions of Physiotherapists in Lahore
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Background: Virtual reality (VR) is increasingly being explored as an adjunct to conventional musculoskeletal rehabilitation because of its potential to enhance therapeutic engagement and support functional rehabilitation. However, its implementation depends partly on clinicians' knowledge, practical exposure, and perceptions, and evidence regarding these factors among physiotherapists in Pakistan remains limited. Objective: To evaluate the knowledge, experience, and perceptions of physiotherapists regarding VR-based interventions in musculoskeletal rehabilitation settings in Lahore, Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 377 physiotherapists working in musculoskeletal rehabilitation settings in Lahore using non-probability convenience sampling. A structured questionnaire assessed demographic characteristics and domains related to knowledge, experience, perceptions, and VR exposure. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27. Continuous variables were summarized as mean ± standard deviation, categorical variables as frequencies and percentages, and chi-square tests were used to assess reported associations among knowledge, experience, and perception. Results: Participants had a mean age of 37.46 ± 6.38 years. The mean knowledge, experience, and perception scores were 12.06 ± 2.13, 11.85 ± 2.62, and 9.11 ± 2.41, respectively. Moderate knowledge was observed in 285 (75.6%) participants, while 219 (58.1%) demonstrated neutral perceptions. No statistically significant association was observed between knowledge and experience (p = 0.282) or between knowledge and perception (p = 0.716). Experience and perception were significantly associated (p = 0.024). Conclusion: Physiotherapists in Lahore demonstrated predominantly moderate knowledge and neutral perceptions regarding VR-based musculoskeletal rehabilitation, with variable practical exposure. Experience was associated with perception, whereas knowledge was not significantly associated with either experience or perception. These findings indicate a gap between awareness and practical engagement with VR that may be relevant to future professional training and implementation strategies
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