Randomized Controlled Trial of Starship Rescue: A Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Biofeedback-Based Computer Game to...

This study was undertaken to investigate the comparative efficacy of a cognitive behavior therapy and biofeedback-based computer game (Starship Rescue: Vortex of Anxiety [SRVA]) and placebo well-being-focused computer game (Starship Rescue: Voyage of Wellness) for reducing symptoms of anxiety and improving quality of life among children and young people aged 8-18 with long-term physical conditions (LTPCs).

A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 60 participants (30 per arm). Primary outcomes were change in anxiety symptoms on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) and Spence Children's Anxiety Scale (SCAS) at 4 weeks. Secondary outcomes were changes in anxiety symptoms at 3 months; changes in quality of life using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) at 4 weeks and 3 months; and acceptability of SRVA recorded at 4 weeks.

Participants in both groups experienced reduced anxiety (from a moderate to mild level) and improved quality of life at 4 weeks and 3 months. There were no significant group differences or time-by-group interactions observed for GAD-7, SCAS, or PedsQL. While SRVA was broadly acceptable, some suggestions for improvement of content and design were provided by users.

Although this is the second study to demonstrate that SRVA can reduce levels of anxiety in children and young people with LTPC, previous questions regarding its efficacy and component-related benefits and new questions regarding the clinical value of physical health-oriented eHealth interventions remain unanswered. Further research is needed before SRVA can be recommended for clinical use.