The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of Virtual Reality therapy (VR therapy), Non-Sleep Deep Rest relaxation (NSDR relaxation) each delivered as an adjunct to standard postoperative rehabilitation, in older adults following hip or knee arthroplasty, focusing on reducing psychological stress and improving functional recovery.
Older adults undergoing hip or knee arthroplasty frequently experience psychological distress, including elevated stress and anxiety, which may reduce engagement in rehabilitation and limit functional recovery. This randomized clinical trial will compare the effectiveness of Virtual Reality therapy (VR therapy) and Non-Sleep Deep Rest relaxation (NSDR relaxation) each delivered as an adjunct to standard postoperative rehabilitation, in this population. Ninety participants aged 60-85 years, within three months post-arthroplasty, will be recruited from an inpatient rehabilitation unit and randomized to receive standard rehabilitation alone, standard rehabilitation plus VR therapy or standard rehabilitation plus NSDR relaxation over a four-week period. The VR therapy will consist of eight 20-minute session using VRTierOne medical device. NSDR relaxation will be delivered as eight 20-minute, audio-guided relaxation sessions (body scan and breathing exercises) via noise-cancelling headphones in a quiet environment. Primary outcomes will include changes in psychological distress (stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms; assessed with validated questionnaires) and functional recovery (functional performance and mobility indices), measured at baseline and post-intervention. Both adjuncts are designed to be safe, well-tolerated, and feasible for clinical implementation. The findings are expected to clarify the comparative role of VR therapy and NSDR relaxation as low-risk adjunctive strategies to support psychological well-being and functional outcomes during post-arthroplasty rehabilitation.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
8 sessions of VR therapy over 4 weeks (each of them 20 minutes long). As a virtual reality source, VRTierOne 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.
The experimental group will receive eight sessions of audio recording based on the Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR) concept during the 4-week rehabilitation program. Each 20-minute session is conducted in a quiet setting using noisecancelling headphones. The recording guides patients through a structured body scan, directing attention sequentially to specific body regions and prompting active muscle relaxation. Body scanning is combined with mindful breathing to deepen relaxation and attenuate sympathetic nervous system activity. Therapeutic suggestions focus on reframing overload versus relief, letting go versus holding on, and balancing action with awareness. The intervention aims to enhance psychological resilience and support the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic parts of the autonomic nervous system. The protocol is non-invasive, safe, and feasible for routine clinical use.
St. Hedwig of Silesia Hospital in Trzebnica
Trzebnica, Lower Silesian Voivodeship, Poland
Change from Baseline in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) Score at 4 Weeks
The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) is a 14-item instrument assessing anxiety and depression symptoms in hospital patients. Each item is scored from 0 to 3, with total scores ranging from 0 to 42. Higher scores indicate greater symptom severity.
Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks
Change from Baseline in Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) Score at 4 Weeks
The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) is a 10-item scale measuring perceived stress over the past month. Scores range from 0 to 40, with higher scores reflecting greater perceived stress.
Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks
Change from Baseline in Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) Score at 4 Weeks
The Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) is a 10-item measure of general self-efficacy, meaning a person's broad belief in their ability to cope with difficult demands and handle challenges. Items are rated on a 4-point scale and summed to a total score ranging from 10 to 40. Higher scores reflect greater generalized self-efficacy.
Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks
Change from Baseline in Perception of Stress Questionnaire (PSQ) Score at 4 Weeks
The Perception of Stress Questionnaire (PSQ) is a 27-item measure of perceived stress, with scores ranging from 21 to 105. Higher scores reflect greater stress perception.
Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks
Change from Baseline in Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI) Score at 4 Weeks
The Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI) consists of 14 items evaluating mobility tasks, with scores ranging from 0 (unable) to 14 (full mobility). Higher scores indicate better mobility.
Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks
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Enrollment
90
Conventional rehabilitation follows standard postoperative protocols after hip or knee arthroplasty. The 4-week program includes five weekly sessions. Gait training is conducted in hospital corridors under physiotherapist supervision, using assistive devices as needed (crutches, walkers). Daily therapy includes 120 minutes of kinesiotherapy (general exercises and gait training), 30 minutes of ergotherapy to improve functional independence, and three individualized physical therapy procedures (laser therapy, magnetic therapy, or electrotherapy) tailored to patient needs.
Change from Baseline in Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) Score at 4 Weeks
The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) combines assessments of balance, gait speed, and chair stand tests, with composite scores ranging from 0 (worst) to 12 (best). Higher scores indicate better physical function.
Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks
Change from Baseline in Barthel Index Score at 4 Weeks
The Barthel Index assesses independence in activities of daily living (ADL), with scores ranging from 0 to 100. Higher scores represent greater functional independence.
Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks
Change from Baseline in Tinetti's Short Scale Score at 4 Weeks
Tinetti's Short Scale assesses fall risk through evaluation of gait and balance over five tasks. Scores range from 0 to 15, with higher scores indicating better functional mobility.
Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks
Change from Baseline in Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) Score at 4 Weeks
The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) is a measurement instrument for subjective characteristics or attitudes that cannot be directly measured, commonly used to assess pain intensity. The scale consists of a 10 cm (100 mm) horizontal line, with endpoints defining extreme limits such as "no pain" and "worst pain imaginable." The patient marks a point on the line that represents their current state. Scores range from 0 to 100 mm, with higher scores indicating greater pain intensity.
Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks