Document Type
Presentation
Publication Title
International Journal of Medical Students
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disease worldwide and a leading cause of disability, affecting most individuals by age 65 due to cartilage degradation, eburnation, osteophyte formation, and inflammation. Intra-articular corticosteroid injections (IACIs) are widely used for moderate to severe OA and are especially beneficial in low-resource areas where long-term medications and physical therapy may be inaccessible. However, IACIs can induce substantial pain and anxiety, particularly when anesthetics or imaging guidance are unavailable. Haptic feedback, such as tactile stimulation through handheld vibration devices, has demonstrated the ability to modulate pain perception in clinical settings. As a simple, low-cost method, it may offer a non-pharmacologic option to reduce procedural discomfort in environments where pain control measures are limited. This study evaluates the effectiveness of handheld vibration devices in reducing pain perception during IACIs in rural Guatemala and Kenya.
DOI
10.5195/ijms.2025.3657
Publication Date
12-31-2025
Keywords
Osteoarthritis, Injections, Corticosteroids, Global Health, Joint and Muscle Pain
ISSN
2076-6327
Recommended Citation
Perleberg T, Felipe A, Tong C, Konstanty J, Desai G. Effectiveness of Haptic Feedback Devices in Reducing Pain Perception During Intra-Articular Corticosteroid Injections in Rural Guatemala and Kenya – A Randomized Controlled Trial. International Journal of Medical Students. 2025; 13(S1). doi: 10.5195/ijms.2025.3657.
