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Virtual Reality and Sound Intervention under Chemotherapy (ViSu): study protocol for a three-arm
Steffen Holsteg1,2, Luisa Ernsten2,3, Nora K Schaal3
1Center for Integrated Oncology Düsseldorf (CIO-D), Düsseldorf, Germany Steffen.Holsteg@med.uni-duesseldorf.de.
BMJ Open
|April 9, 2025
Summary
This study explored virtual reality (VR) and music interventions to reduce psychological distress in chemotherapy patients. Both interventions showed potential benefits, with VR mindfulness offering a novel approach to managing treatment side effects.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Psychology
- Medical Technology
Background:
- Chemotherapy patients frequently experience psychological distress, anxiety, and depression.
- Attention-diverting interventions can alleviate these symptoms during treatment.
- Virtual reality (VR) offers immersive potential for guided interventions, possibly exceeding passive methods like music.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility, acceptance, and effectiveness of a VR mindfulness intervention compared to a music intervention and standard care.
- To evaluate the impact of these interventions on psychological distress and chemotherapy side effects.
Main Methods:
- A single-centre, three-arm, randomized-controlled trial involving 82 cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
- Interventions included VR mindfulness, receptive music, or standard care over two sessions.
- Primary outcome: situational anxiety; Secondary outcomes: cancer-related anxiety, self-efficacy, side effects, cortisol levels, heart rate, and blood pressure.
Main Results:
- Data on feasibility, acceptance, and effectiveness were collected via psychological assessments, self-ratings, physiological measures, and questionnaires.
- Analysis focused on comparing the VR mindfulness and music groups against the control group.
Conclusions:
- The study provides insights into the potential of VR mindfulness as an innovative intervention for managing chemotherapy-related distress.
- Findings will inform future therapeutic strategies to improve patient well-being during cancer treatment.
