Authors (including presenting author) :
Lui TM(1), Lee KH(1), Wong SM(1)
Affiliation :
(1) Occupational Therapy Department, Tung Wah Eastern Hospital
Keyword 1: :
Virtual reality
Keyword 2: :
Relaxation training
Keyword 3: :
Cardiac Rehabilitation
Introduction :
Managing psychological well-being is a crucial part of cardiac rehabilitation, given the established link between stress, anxiety, depression, and cardiovascular risk. To address this, recent evidence supports the integration of Virtual Reality (VR) for improving psychological health in cardiac patients. This program redesign specifically incorporates a 20-minute, customized VR-guided imagery session to teach relaxation techniques effectively, supported by a patient logbook to encourage consistent practice and adherence.
Objectives :
To assess the effectiveness of a VR-integrated relaxation training program in reducing depression, anxiety, and stress levels, and enhancing perceived relaxation in cardiac day-patients.
Methodology :
A quasi-experimental study used a one-group, pre-posttest design. Participants were Cantonese-speaking cardiac rehab patients (aged 46-78) identified with psychological risk via the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) screening tool. Exclusion criteria included cognitive, visual, or auditory impairments, or a history of seizures/dizziness. The primary outcome measures were the Perceived Relaxation Scale (PRS) and the DASS-21 questionnaire, administered before and after the VR-integrated program or Cardiac Rehabilitation Program Phase II.
Result & Outcome :
This pilot study assessed a VR-integrated relaxation program for cardiac day-patients. Twenty-one participants were recruited, with 13 completing CRP II. Significant increase in perceived relaxation immediately post-intervention (n=21) using Wilcoxon signed-rank test was attained (PRS mean increase = 1.46, p < .001). For long-term psychological outcomes upon program completion (n=13), paired-samples t-tests demonstrated significant reductions in symptoms of anxiety (mean difference = 5.54, p < 0.05), stress (mean difference = 3.85, p < 0.05) and depression (mean difference = 3.23, p < 0.05), consistent with the study’s directional predictions. Patient feedback on the VR experience was overwhelmingly positive, with high ratings for usability and satisfaction. Adverse effects, such as mild dizziness, were infrequent. Overall satisfaction was high, with 100% of participants recommending the program. In conclusion, Integrating VR relaxation training is an effective, safe, and well-accepted intervention to enhance relaxation and reduce key psychological symptoms in cardiac rehabilitation. These preliminary findings support the potential of VR technology as a promising tool for holistic cardiac care and improved patient outcomes.
