The effects of virtual reality on pulmonary functions, functional level and pain in the early period after open heart surgery

Cardiac rehabilitation is known to be indicated against postoperative complications after surgery. With the development of technology, virtual reality application has started to be used therapeutically in the field of physiotherapy. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of virtual reality on pulmonary functions, functional level and pain in the early period after open heart surgery. Twenty-four patients whom ages were 32- 70 years were included in this study. Patients were divided in to two grups. Control group's (n=12) interventions were classic physiotherapy interventions which include range of motion exercises, chest physiotherapy and mobilization. Study group's (n=12) interventions were classic physiotherapy and virtual reality application for 30 minutes per day. Daily Cardiopulmonary responses, dyspnea, fatigue and pain was recorded. Pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, 6 Minute walk test, Time up-go test, TAMPA kinesiophobia scale, hospital anxiety and depression scale, health assessment questionnaire, FACIT fatigue scale was applied in admission and at discharge. There was no difference between groups for the daily cardiopulmonary responses, fatigue, dyspnea and pain (p>0.05). For the 6-minute walk test, the increase in walking distance was found to be significantly higher in the study group (258 ± 93.63),(p <0.05). The hospital anxiety and depression scale score was also found to be significantly reduced in the study group (depression = 3.91 ± 2.42 anxiety = 5.91 ± 2.02),(p <0.05). Our study showed that virtual reality is effective on functional level, depression and anxiety.