Efficacy of a physical rehabilitation program using virtual reality in patients with chronic tendinopathy: A randomized controlled trial protocol (VirTendon-Rehab).

Objectives: To analyze the efficacy of a virtual reality (VR)-based rehabilitation program in people with chronic tendinopathy (CT) on pain, muscle activation pattern, range of motion, muscle strength, kinesiophobia, physical function, quality of life, and user satisfaction compared to a control group. In addition, the relationship between these variables and the clinical profile of this population will be analyzed. Design: A 12-week, single-blind, low-risk, randomized controlled trial. Methods: Sixty patients diagnosed with CT will be enrolled and randomly assigned to two groups. The control group will receive a physical exercise program without VR support (45 min), whereas the experimental group will receive an additional 15-min intervention through a physical exercise program delivered by VR. Both groups will receive three sessions per week, and the outcomes will be collected at baseline, after 12 weeks, and at the 24-week follow-up. Stratified groups will be established according to tendinopathy location (shoulder rotator cuff, elbow, patella, and Achilles tendon). Statistical analyses using SPSS v.24 will include descriptive analysis, stratified analysis by tendinopathy location, normality checks, intragroup and intergroup differences, effect sizes, and variable relationships. Discussion: The results of this project may have a significant impact on the knowledge of using VR in tendinopathy management, understanding how the outcomes are related, and characterizing the clinical profiles of the population diagnosed with CT. If these results are confirmed, VR would be clinically useful for the treatment of these conditions. Trial registration number: NCT06056440.