Virtual reality for COPD exacerbation: A randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Rehabilitation Science
• Digital Health

Background:

• Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is vital for managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Patients with chronic diseases like COPD require sustained motivation, especially during exacerbations.
• Traditional PR methods may benefit from innovative, engaging approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of virtual reality (VR) integrated with PR on COPD exacerbation recovery.
• To assess VR's effect on symptom burden, daily activities, functional status, and psychological well-being.
• To compare VR-enhanced PR with traditional PR in COPD patients.

Main Methods:

• Fifty patients hospitalized for COPD exacerbation were randomized into two groups: traditional PR and VR-enhanced PR.
• The VR group experienced cycling simulations in a forest environment during PR.
• Outcomes were measured using the 1-minute Sit-to-Stand test, mMRC, CAT, HADS, and LCADL.

Main Results:

• VR-enhanced PR showed significantly greater improvements in functional capacity (STST) compared to traditional PR.
• Both groups experienced reduced dyspnea and improved COPD Assessment Test (CAT) scores, with greater reduction in the VR group.
• The VR group demonstrated more significant reductions in anxiety and depression scores (HADS) and improved daily living activities (LCADL).

Conclusions:

• Virtual reality integration in pulmonary rehabilitation offers significant benefits for COPD exacerbation management.
• VR-enhanced PR is a safe and effective strategy to improve physical function and psychological well-being.
• This approach provides a motivational tool for patients undergoing long-term treatment for chronic respiratory diseases.