Effect of VR and Music on Fetal Well-Being and Anxiety During Nonstress Test

Summary

Music and virtual reality (VR) have been utilized in the medical field and are known to reduce anxiety and stress. However, a limited number of studies have investigated the effects of music and VR on women undergoing non-stress tests (NST). In this context, the present study aimed to determine the effects of music and VR on fetal movement, fetal heart rate, maternal physiological parameters, maternal satisfaction, and anxiety levels.

The study was conducted between June 2024 and February 2025 in the NST clinic of a training and research hospital in Bilecik, Turkey. Participants were divided into three groups: virtual reality, music, and control, with 20 pregnant women in each group. Data were collected using a personal information form, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, NST assessments, and a maternal parameter evaluation form.

The findings indicate that the use of VR and music during NST reduces anxiety levels in pregnant women, improves physiological parameters, and enhances satisfaction with the procedure. Notably, the decrease in anxiety levels and the positive changes in physiological parameters were more pronounced in the VR group.

The stress-reducing effects of distraction techniques such as VR and music may enhance placental blood flow, thereby positively influencing fetal movements and reactivity. However, further long-term studies are required to better understand how fetal activity is affected by emotional changes.

Conditions

• Virtual Reality
• Anxiety
• Pregnancy
• Randomised Controlled Trial
• Music

Interventions

OTHER

Music intervention

The music was provided to the pregnant women with wireless headphones worn over the head, an electronic acoustic device with sound-enhancing ear pads, and an adjustable headband. These headphones allowed the pregnant women to listen to music in isolation. The music played in the study was determined with the recommendation of the Research and Promotion of Turkish Music (TUMATA), which operates in Turkey and carries out treatment studies with Turkish music. Accordingly, pregnant women were made to listen to Acemashiran maqam, which is thought to have a positive effect on the uterus, the baby in the womb, and facilitate birth. According to TUMATA, Acemashiran Maqam has a fiery nature. It is a dry-hot makam. It is effective on bones and the brain. It helps balance fat in the body. It gives a sense of creativity and inspiration. Revitalizes stagnant thoughts and emotions. Facilitates childbirth in women. Helps to correct the wrong posture of the child in.

OTHER

Virtual Reality Intervention

Pregnant women in the VR group were given adaptive three-dimensional (3D) glasses that fit snugly on their heads to optimize image quality and provide full distance adjustment. All pregnant women in the group were allowed to wear the glasses for a few minutes before the application in order to get used to the glasses. The image to be projected on the glasses was provided by placing a smartphone compatible with the glasses on the front of the glasses. Pregnant women in the VR group were shown an image of a green landscape with a relaxing sound accompanying the 3D images. Pregnant women in the VR group were shown an image of green nature due to the proven psychologically relaxing effect of green. Since the content in question is prepared in 360 degrees, the person wearing the glasses finds herself in the virtual world and experiences the feeling of being there, no matter which direction she looks.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Bilecik Seyh Edebali Universitesi

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Rahime AKSOY BULGURCU · Bilecik Seyh Edebali Universitesi

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Sex

FEMALE

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2024-06-01

Primary Completion

2025-01-01

Completion

2025-02-01

Countries

• Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations