This study evaluates whether an immersive virtual reality (VR) version of the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test can accurately measure functional mobility in adults with chronic non-specific low back pain.
The standard TUG test measures the time needed to stand up from a chair, walk 3 meters, turn around, walk back, and sit down. In the VR version (VR-TUG), participants perform the same movements while wearing a VR headset that displays a virtual environment.
We will examine: (1) whether VR-TUG results are similar to the standard TUG, (2) whether VR-TUG is reliable when repeated about one week later, and (3) whether VR-TUG performance is associated with pain, disability, and fear of movement.
Participants will complete questionnaires (VAS, ODI, and TSK), perform standard TUG and VR-TUG at baseline, and repeat VR-TUG 7 ± 2 days later. Results will help determine whether VR-based functional mobility testing is a practical assessment tool for people with chronic low back pain.
Age 18 to 55 years.
Clinician-diagnosed chronic non-specific low back pain (pain duration ≥ 3 months).
Applied to Selcuk University Medical Faculty Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation outpatient clinic with low back pain complaint.
Able to walk independently and safely perform the Timed Up and Go (TUG) and VR-TUG tests (with or without usual assistive device).
Red flag conditions or suspected specific pathology (e.g., fracture, tumor/metastasis, infection such as spondylitis/discitis).
Inflammatory back pain suggestive of conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis or sacroiliitis.
Significant radiculopathy or neurological deficit (dermatomal leg pain, marked weakness, reflex changes, sensory loss), clinically significant lumbar disc herniation, severe spinal stenosis, or spondylolisthesis grade II or higher.
Prior lumbar spine surgery.