Abstract

Subacromial impingement syndrome is a common condition in clinical practice, characterized by shoulder pain and functional limitations. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of virtual reality-based therapy (VR) and traditional therapy in improving functional outcomes, while also analyzing correlations between key assessment tools: the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Score (DASH), the Simple Shoulder Test (SST), and the Constant-Murley Score (CMS). Patients were divided into two groups (VR therapy vs. traditional therapy), and their progress was assessed using these tools. The results revealed significant improvements in functional scores for both groups, with the VR group demonstrating slightly superior outcomes. VR has not only revolutionized individual patient care but also provided scalable solutions in physiotherapy clinics, aligning with modern healthcare management principles. A correlation analysis indicated strong positive relationships between DASH, SST, and CMS scores, highlighting their consistency in evaluating shoulder function. Additionally, significant negative correlations were observed between functional scores and pain ratings, emphasizing the critical role of pain management in treatment success. These findings suggest that VR therapy is an effective complement to traditional methods, providing enhanced engagement and measurable improvements in shoulder function. The study underscores the importance of integrating innovative approaches like VR into rehabilitation strategies, paving the way for personalized and multidimensional care in subacromial impingement syndrome. This study highlights how VR-based interventions align with international trends in digital health innovation, particularly in East European rehabilitation centers that have successfully integrated VR-based therapies.