Immersive virtual reality as a method supporting pulmonary rehabilitation: Evaluation of the intensity of depressive and anxiety symptoms and stress levels

This study enrolled 50 COPD patients with symptoms of stress, depression and anxiety, randomly assigned to one of two groups. The two groups participated in the traditional PR programme additionally: the VR-group performed 10 sessions of immersive VR-therapy and the control group performed 10 sessions of Schultz autogenic training. Comparison of the changes in stress levels and depressive and anxiety symptoms was the primary outcome. Analysis of the results showed a reduction in stress levels only in the VR-group (p<0.0069), with a medium effect size (d=0.353). The symptoms of depression (p<000.1) and anxiety (p<0.0009,)were statistically significantly reduced only in the VR-group, with a strong effect size. The enrichment of pulmonary rehabilitation with immersive VR therapy brings benefits in terms of mood improvement and reduction of anxiety and stress in patients with COPD. VR therapy is more effective than standard therapy
Source: European Respiratory Journal - Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Tags: Physiotherapists Source Type: research