The Breath project (Project Number: 2022-1-PL01-KA220-HED-000089283) has been Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author or authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Foundation for the Development of the Education System. Neither the European Union nor the entity providing the grant can be held responsible for them.

Effectiveness of an Inpatient Virtual Reality-Based Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program among COVID-19 Patients on Symptoms of Anxiety, Depression, and Quality of Life: Preliminary Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial

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Institution
Opole University of Technology, Opole, Poland; Specialist Hospital of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration in Głuchołazy, Głuchołazy, Poland, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
Institution Typology
University, Hospital
Country
Poland
Description
Intervention design: A 3-week inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation program comparing traditional rehabilitation with a novel VR-based program. The study focused on exercise tolerance, anxiety, depression, and quality of life in post-COVID-19 patients. People involved: 32 post-COVID-19 patients, multidisciplinary rehabilitation team. Identified barriers: Managing patient compliance with VR technology, ensuring the effectiveness of short-term rehabilitation on long-term outcomes. Sustainability: Potential for VR to be integrated into standard rehabilitation practices, with applications in other respiratory rehabilitation contexts. Transferability: The approach could be adapted to other rehabilitation settings, especially for patients recovering from severe viral infections.
Disease
Covid19
Activity level
Intense
Activity Typology
Rehabilitation section-based activities
Motivation Tools
Available
Innovation
The use of VR-based relaxation and exercise programs specifically designed for post-COVID-19 rehabilitation, incorporating elements such as virtual therapeutic environments and interactive physical activities.
Evaluation System
Quantifiable results: Improvements in the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and quality of life assessments (WHOQOL-BREF).
Presence of comparison group: Yes, a control group underwent traditional rehabilitation without VR.
Assessment
The program was effective in reducing anxiety and depression and improving exercise tolerance. However, no significant improvement was observed in the quality of life, potentially due to the short duration of the study.
References
Rutkowski S, Bogacz K, Czech O, Rutkowska A, Szczegielniak J. Effectiveness of an Inpatient Virtual Reality-Based Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program among COVID-19 Patients on Symptoms of Anxiety, Depression and Quality of Life: Preliminary Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(24):16980. Published 2022 Dec 17. doi:10.3390/ijerph192416980
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Joel Araña Rivero, Universidad de las Palmas - Spain (ES)
Increíble artículo. Explicación muy clara y confiable.

Lilia Pytel, UO - Poland (PL)
Bardzo interesujacy artykul, ktory wywoluje refleksje