Gamification-based Virtual Reality and post-burn rehabilitation: How promising is that?

Some non-pharmacological techniques have been shown to effectively reduce pain, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, hypnosis, relaxation techniques, and interaction through television, music, and storytelling. Recently, new advanced technologies such as virtual reality immersion therapy (VRIT) and simulation for therapy (SFT) have been used in post-burn rehabilitation. Immersive VR is a cognitive–behavioral technique based on distraction used for treating physical and psychological pain. A comprehensive evaluation of nine clinical trials demonstrated that VR technology combined with pharmaceutical analgesics was significantly more effective in reducing pain and anxiety in burn patients. On the other hand, to improve therapeutic effectiveness in rehabilitation settings such as post-burn conditions, the combined use of related methods such as interactive game consoles (IGC) is increasingly used. IGCs are more favored for use in burn rehabilitation because they are less cumbersome than other forms of VR. Virtual reality games can provide practical and attractive therapy that allows the child to amuse by artificial scenes that appear and feel similar to real-world scenes.In general, it can be said that new technological developments, such as interactive virtual reality, gamification, powerful computers, and portable tablets, and their universal popularity, now offer the chance to integrate knowledge from clinical practice, neuroscience knowledge, and design ideas. In addition, the wide range of virtual communication options and computer games provide physicians to choose appropriate tools that help in treatment. This perspective aims to explain the potential of game design principles to generate more motivation and content for therapy integrated with the proper technological context, like virtual reality.