Feasibility and Preliminary Clinical Responses to Immersive Virtual Reality in Adults with Self-Reported Bruxism-Related Orofacial Pain: A Pilot Longitudinal Study

Bruxism-related orofacial pain is a common clinical manifestation associated with muscular hyperactivity, psychoemotional factors, and altered pain sensitivity. Immersive virtual reality (iVR) has emerged as a non-pharmacological strategy for pain management; however, evidence in individuals with bruxism-related pain remains limited. This pilot study evaluated the feasibility, tolerability, and preliminary clinical responses associated with an iVR intervention in adults with bruxism-related orofacial pain. A longitudinal pilot study with repeated assessments (T0–T4) was conducted in 15 adults with self-reported bruxism-related orofacial pain. Participants completed two standardized relaxation-oriented iVR sessions using an Oculus Quest 3 head-mounted display. Feasibility, immersive experience, cybersickness symptoms, pain intensity, and pressure pain threshold (PPT) were evaluated. All participants completed the intervention protocol and follow-up assessments, resulting in 100% adherence. Cybersickness symptoms were mild, and immersive experience scores indicated high perceived presence. Pain intensity decreased progressively throughout follow-up, with the greatest reduction observed at T4. The pressure pain threshold demonstrated modest temporal increases, particularly in the splenius, upper trapezius, and temporalis regions. The intervention was feasible and well tolerated and was accompanied by exploratory reductions in pain-related outcomes over time. These findings support future controlled studies to clarify the clinical effects of immersive virtual reality in individuals with bruxism-related orofacial pain.