Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Effects of Virtual Reality for Pain, Anxiety and Recovery Enhancement of Children Post-scoliosis Surgical Repair

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is the most common spinal deformity in adolescents and frequently requires surgical intervention when curvature becomes severe. Although surgical correction improves long-term outcomes, the immediate postoperative period is often characterized by significant pain and anxiety, particularly during early mobilization, which can delay participation in physiotherapy and recovery. Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a promising non-pharmacological intervention for reducing pain and anxiety in pediatric medical settings through immersive distraction and guided engagement. The VR-SPINE study is a mixed-methods pilot randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary clinical effects of a VR-based intervention during early postoperative mobilization in adolescents undergoing scoliosis surgery. 24 participants aged 10-17 years undergoing corrective scoliosis surgery will be recruited at CHU Sainte-Justine and randomized to either VR plus standard postoperative care or standard care alone. The VR intervention consists of a collaborative therapeutic game played during the first postoperative mobilization to an armchair, designed to promote relaxation, distraction, and engagement with physiotherapy. Primary outcomes include the feasibility of recruitment and implementation, as well as acceptability and satisfaction among participants and healthcare professionals. Secondary outcomes include postoperative pain, anxiety, tolerance to mobilization, analgesic use, and adverse effects. Qualitative interviews with a subset of participants and healthcare professionals will further explore perceived barriers, facilitators, and the clinical experience of using VR during early recovery.