Observational Study on Emotional-Affective States in Neuromuscular Patients Using Recreational Virtual Reality

Neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) cause the loss of motor, communicative, and swallowing skills resulting in a decreased quality of life. Among these, rehabilitation plays a crucial role, and virtual reality (VR), with its potential for immersive digital experiences, could significantly contribute to enhancing rehabilitation outcomes. The aim of this observational study was to assess changes in the emotional-affective states of hospitalized patients with NMDs who participated in an immersive VR recreational experience. Patients ≥ 16 years with an NMD clinical and/or genetic diagnosis, underwent a recreational VR experience and completed a set of pre and post questionnaires assessing mood, positive (PA) and negative affects (NA), state anxiety, emotional state, and emotional response. Thirty-eight patients were enrolled. PANAS reported significant changes between pre and post VR: an improvement in PA (Δ: 6.79 ± 6.30, Cohen's d: 1.20, p < 0.0001) and a decrease in NA (Δ: -7.11 ± 6.29, Cohen's d: 1.38, p < 0.0001). No statistically significant difference emerged comparing changes over-time by stratifying for age, gender, education, anxiety and depression levels. Moreover, state anxiety significantly decreased (Δ: -3.95 ± 6.15, Cohen's d: 0.57, p < 0.0001) and emotional state significantly improved after exposure to VR (Δ: 0.63 ± 2.14, Cohen's d: 0.29, p = 0.0004). Finally, Self-Assessment Manikin showed that VR elicited low levels of arousal (3.87 ± 3.46) and high levels of pleasure (8.37 ± 1.81) and dominance (8.37 ± 1.88). This study highlights the potential of VR technology as a valuable tool during the hospitalization of NMD patients.