Effect of Virtual Reality and Progressive Muscle Relaxation on Anxiety and Attention Among Cardiac Care Unit Patients

Alexandria University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Anxiety

Treatments: Device: Virtual reality; Other: Modified Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06215066

Distraction Techniques

Details and patient eligibility

About

A randomized controlled trial with two parallel groups was conducted, to determine the effect of virtual reality (VR) and modified progressive muscle relaxation (MPMR) distraction techniques on anxiety, attention and getting distracted from the external environment among cardiac care unit patients.

The study is based on the following hypotheses:

H1: Patients who receive VR intervention have lower Hamilton Anxiety Rating (HAM-A) scores than those who receive MPMR intervention.

H2: Patients who receive VR intervention exhibit improvement in their physiological parameters than those who receive MPMR intervention.

H3: Patients who receive VR intervention have higher Attention/Distraction scores than those who receive MPMR intervention.

Full description

This randomized controlled trial with two parallel groups was conducted in the cardiac care unit of Smouha Hospital, affiliated with Alexandria University, Egypt.

A total of 158 patients were recruited using a simple random sampling method and assigned to one of two groups to determine the effects of virtual reality (VR) and modified progressive muscle relaxation (MPMR) distraction techniques on anxiety, attention, and distraction from the external environment among cardiac care unit patients.

Four assessment tools were used:

1. Sociodemographic and Clinical Assessment.
2. Physiological Parameter Assessment.
3. Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A).
4. Attention/Distraction Scale.

Enrollment: 158 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 60 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Admitted to CCU for at least 3 days after stability.
• Patients who are conscious and stable condition and all of whom exhibited varying levels of anxiety.

Exclusion criteria

- Patients with a history of neurological impairments such as motor, visual, and auditory disabilities and psychological disorders.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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158 participants in 2 patient groups

Virtual Reality Group (VR)

Active Comparator group

Description:

The intervention was administered three times per day, 10 minutes each session, for three consecutive days. The VR goggles and headset phone were placed on the patient's head, straps secured, and lens spacing adjusted for a clear visual field. Patients were instructed to use head movements to control the cursor and interact with the virtual content. The 3D video clips with natural sceneries and background music were played to create a relaxing experience.

Treatment:

Device: Virtual reality

Modified Progressive Muscle Relaxation Group (MPMR)

Active Comparator group

Description:

The intervention was administered three times per day, 10 minutes each session, for three consecutive days. The exercises applied to specific body parts while patients closed their eyes and practiced deep breathing, accompanied by background music.

Treatment:

Other: Modified Progressive Muscle Relaxation