Distraction Therapy Using Virtual Reality in Cardiac Rehabilitation

The European Society of Cardiology has been putting forward the need for new adjuncts or models that optimise outcomes from CR programmes. Immersive virtual reality (IVR) is one of the newest technologies whose input in CR is currently being investigated. It is a technology which helps simulate the real environment through a virtual one, allowing for interaction with the environment and to carry out exercise with variability, where intensity, repetition and feedback are key elements. It is reported that immersion in VR environments diverts the attention of the patient from unpleasant bodily sensations, thus delaying the onset of boredom and fatigue. This is reported to possibly incite higher participation. In addition, VR has some noticeable indirect benefits for postcardiac event patients. It is reported that when using head-mounted devices during stationary cycling, a reduction in sympathetic tone and thus increase blood flow to the muscles prolonging the exercise duration and enhancing fatigue resistance will result. The use of distraction therapy through VR, one which isolates the patients from the medical context and puts all the attention on the virtual experience, makes the patient be distracted from the unpleasant stimuli of the surrounding environment. Distraction therapy through VR is reported to provide positive emotions, reduce anxiety and lead to an underestimation of the treatment duration.

NCT Number	NCT06898827
Lead Sponsor	University of Malta
Conditions	Cardiac Disease, Coronary Artery Bypass
Enrollment	20 participants
Start Date	2024-09-01
Primary Completion	2025-06-30 (estimated)
Study Completion	2025-06-30 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2025-03-27