Immersive Virtual Reality Therapy as a Support for Cardiac Rehabilitation: A Pilot Randomized-Controlled Trial.

ABSTRACT: Depression and anxiety can significantly reduce the effectiveness of cardiac rehabilitation (CR). Several studies have assessed the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR)-based interventions for symptoms of anxiety and depression; however, they do not relate to patients with heart disease. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of VR therapy on the mental state of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Thirty-four CAD patients with elevated anxiety or depression symptoms were recruited. After randomization, 17 participants were assigned to the intervention group, and 17 to the control group. Both groups underwent standard CR for outpatients. In the intervention group, eight VR therapy sessions were applied. In the control group, eight sessions of Schultz' Autogenic Training w

SUBMITTER: Szczepanska-Gieracha J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8377517 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature