Virtual Reality-Supported Cardiac Rehabilitation: Psychological, Functional, and Physiological Perspectives

Summary

The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality-assisted cardiac rehabilitation compared to conventional cardiac rehabilitation in improving psychological outcomes-depression, stress, anxiety, and kinesiophobia-along with physiological parameters, functional status, physical activity levels, and quality of life in cardiac patients.

Conditions

• Cardiovascular Diseases
• Coronary Arterial Disease (CAD)
• Myocardial Disease
• Heart Disease

Interventions

DEVICE

Virtual Reality Therapy

8 sessions of VR therapy (each of them 20 minutes long). As a virtual reality source, VR TierOne device (Stolgraf®) were used. Thanks to using head mounted display and the phenomenon of total immersion VR therapy provides an intense visual, auditory and kinesthetic stimulation. It can have a calming and mood-improving effect or help the patients recognize their psychological resources and motivate to the rehabilitation process. In the virtual therapeutic garden there are a rich set of symbols and metaphors based on Ericksonian Psychotherapy approach.The most important is the Garden of Revival which symbolizes the patient's health. It used to be full of life and energy, now it is neglected, requires work to be revived. In the therapeutic process day by day, the therapist tells the patient a symbolic story about his/her situation.

BEHAVIORAL

Cardiac rehabilitation

A three-week, hospital-based cardiac rehabilitation program for all participants, incorporating structured group exercises and activities. The conventional cardiac rehabilitation program includes morning warm-up exercises, afternoon group sessions, interval training on stationary bikes, and relaxation activities. Morning sessions consist of 20 minutes of standing cardiovascular exercises accompanied by music, while afternoon sessions include 45 minutes of seated activities, divided into cardiovascular, equipment-based, and breathing exercises.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa

  collaborator OTHER

• Provincial Specialist Hospital of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Częstochowa

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Błażej Cieślik, PhD. · Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa

• Karolina Kowalewska, MSc. · Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

60 Months

Max Age

85 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-04-01

Primary Completion

2025-12-31

Completion

2026-06-30

Countries

• Poland

Study Locations