VIRTUAL REALITY TRAINING AFTER THORACIC SURGERY

Pamukkale University30 enrolled

Overview

This study aims to investigate the effects of virtual reality-based exercise training after thoracic surgery. Participants undergoing lung resection surgery will be assigned to either a virtual reality exercise training group or a control group receiving standard care. Physical function, pulmonary function, exercise capacity, dyspnea, anxiety, depression, and quality of life will be evaluated before and after the intervention. The findings may help determine whether virtual reality-assisted exercise training improves postoperative recovery in patients undergoing thoracic surgery.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Thoracic Surgery Postoperative Recovery Pulmonary Rehabilitation Exercise Training Virtual Reality

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 25 YearsMax age: 70 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: Age between 25 and 70 years Stable symptoms and no other disease affecting pulmonary function (e.g., scoliosis or ankylosing spondylitis) Good cooperation and ability to walk independently Patients who underwent thoracic surgery FEV1 \> 2 L for pneumonectomy, \> 1 L for lobectomy, and \> 0.6 L for segmentectomy Maximum oxygen consumption (VO₂max) \> 15-20 mL/kg/min Cycle ergometer performance \> 83 W No severe visual impairment Approved for participation in exercise training by the operating physician Hodkinson Mental Test score \> 6 Willingness to participate and provision of informed consent - Exclusion Criteria: Contraindications to pulmonary rehabilitation or physiotherapy, including unstable cardiovascular disease, severe pulmonary hypertension, severe uncorrectable hypoxemia, exercise-induced desaturation, rib fractures, subcutaneous emphysema, advanced osteoporosis, or thrombocytopenia Orthopedic or neurological disorders that may impair independent ambulation, exertional dyspnea, or exertional vertigo Requirement for repeat thoracic surgery due to previous thoracic surgical history Inability to establish verbal and/or auditory communication and cooperation Inability to cooperate due to psychological and/or perceptual impairments Withdrawal Criteria Development of unexpected chest pain during the study Occurrence of syncope or nausea during testing procedures Participants may withdraw from the study at any time without providing a reason Study Completion / Termination Criterion Achievement of the planned sample size \-

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

FEV1

Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) measured by spirometry.

Time frame: From baseline to 2 weeks after hospital discharge

FVC

Forced vital capacity (FVC) measured by spirometry.

Time frame: From baseline to 2 weeks after hospital discharge.

FEF25-75

Forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of forced vital capacity measured by spirometry.

Time frame: From baseline to 2 weeks after hospital discharge.

Secondary Outcomes

Pain Intensity

Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS).Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates the worst imaginable pain. Higher scores indicate greater pain intensity.

Time frame: Baseline, postoperative day 2, and hospital discharge (up to 7 days after surgery).

Exercise Capacity

Exercise capacity was assessed using the 1-minute sit-to-stand test.Exercise capacity was assessed using the 1-minute sit-to-stand test (1-min STS). The outcome was recorded as the number of completed sit-to-stand repetitions in one minute. Higher values indicate better exercise capacity.

Time frame: Baseline, postoperative day 2, and hospital discharge (up to 7 days after surgery)

Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety and depression were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression. Anxiety was assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale - Anxiety subscale (HADS-A). Scores range from 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating greater anxiety symptoms. Depression was assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale - Depression subscale (HADS-D). Scores range from 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating greater depression symptoms.

Time frame: Baseline, postoperative day 2, and hospital discharge (up to 7 days after surgery).

Dyspnea

Dyspnea was assessed using the Modified Borg Dyspnea Scale. Dyspnea was assessed using the Modified Borg Dyspnea Scale. Scores range from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no dyspnea and 10 indicates maximal dyspnea. Higher scores indicate greater dyspnea severity.

Time frame: Baseline, postoperative day 2, and hospital discharge (up to 7 days after surgery)

Oxygen Saturation

Peripheral oxygen saturation was measured before, immediately after, and 3 minutes after the 1-minute sit-to-stand test.Peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO₂) was measured using a pulse oximeter before, immediately after, and 3 minutes after the 1-minute sit-to-stand test. Oxygen saturation was recorded as a percentage (%), with higher values indicating better oxygenation.

Time frame: Baseline, postoperative day 2, and hospital discharge (up to 7 days after surgery).

Length of Hospital Stay

Length of hospital stay was recorded as the total number of days from surgery until hospital discharge. Shorter hospital stay indicates a better outcome.

Time frame: From the day of surgery until hospital discharge (typically within 7 days after surgery).

Patient satisfaction

Patient satisfaction was assessed using a short patient satisfaction questionnaire.Patient satisfaction was assessed using the Short Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (SPSQ/HMKDF), which consists of 7 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale. Total scores range from 7 to 35, with higher scores indicating greater patient satisfaction.

Time frame: Hospital discharge (up to 7 days after surgery)

VIRTUAL REALITY TRAINING AFTER THORACIC SURGERY

Overview

Conditions

Interventions

Eligibility

Locations (1)

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Secondary Outcomes