Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 20, 2026
Author Spotlight: Exploring the Impact of Reduced Resistance Exercise Volume on Metabolic Health
Published on: December 1, 2023
A home-based VR exercise for improving depression and quality of life after heart surgery: a randomized controlled
Kornanong Yuenyongchaiwat1,2, Natsinee Sermsinsaithong1, Chatchai Buekban3
1Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand.
Background:
Exercise is an integral component of cardiac rehabilitation after open-heart surgery in both hospital and community settings, and such programs are designed to reduce adverse physical and mental health outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Virtual reality (VR)-based aerobic exercises are used for cardiac rehabilitation. We aimed to analyze the effects of an eight-week home-based phase II cardiac rehabilitation program performed in VR on depression and quality of life (QOL) in community-dwelling individuals who underwent open-heart surgery.
Methods:
A randomized controlled trial was conducted, and 49 patients who underwent elective open-heart surgery were assigned to either the VR group (n=24) or the control group. Members of the control group received a paper booklet (n=25) during phase II cardiac rehabilitation. Depression and SF-36 scores were assessed at baseline and at eight weeks.
Results:
The VR group showed a significant decrease in depression after eight weeks, compared to the control group (D-1.75, p=.003, n2p=0.175). The SF-36 showed no significant differences between the VR and control groups.
Conclusions:
A home-based VR exercise program has applications in phase II cardiac rehabilitation for open-heart surgery by reducing depression but not QOL. Therefore, integrating VR exercise into cardiac rehabilitation programs may offer a novel strategy to address mental health challenges.
Related Concept Videos
06:13Randomized Controlled Trial to Study the Acute Effects of Strength Exercise on Insulin Sensitivity in Obese Adults
03:26Targeted Muscle Reinnervation: Surgical Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial in Postamputation Pain
03:53Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface: Surgical Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial in Postamputation Pain
08:36The Adjuvant Efficacy of Angong Niuhuang Pill in the Treatment of Viral Encephalitis: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
06:25Stereoacuity Improvement using Random-Dot Video Games
08:53Randomized, Triple-Blind, and Parallel-Controlled Trial of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Cognitive Rehabilitation after Stroke