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Effectiveness of an Inpatient Virtual Reality-Based Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program among COVID-19 Patients on Symptoms of Anxiety, Depression and Quality of Life: Preliminary Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial

Author

Listed:
  • Sebastian Rutkowski

    (Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Opole University of Technology, 45-758 Opole, Poland)

  • Katarzyna Bogacz

    (Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Opole University of Technology, 45-758 Opole, Poland
    Specialist Hospital of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration in Głuchołazy, 48-340 Głuchołazy, Poland)

  • Oliver Czech

    (Department of Physiotherapy, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, 51-612 Wroclaw, Poland)

  • Anna Rutkowska

    (Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Opole University of Technology, 45-758 Opole, Poland)

  • Jan Szczegielniak

    (Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Opole University of Technology, 45-758 Opole, Poland
    Specialist Hospital of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration in Głuchołazy, 48-340 Głuchołazy, Poland)

Abstract

Forms of rehabilitation for patients after COVID-19 are gaining interest. The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare an innovative in-hospital pulmonary rehabilitation programs augmented with training elements performed in virtual reality. This randomized controlled study included 32 patients enrolled in post-COVID-19 rehabilitation at a Public Hospital in Poland. The rehabilitation models included exercise capacity training on a cycle ergometer, breathing and general fitness workout, resistance training, and relaxation. The forms of training and relaxation differed between the groups: the experimental group employed virtual reality, and the control group used a traditional form of therapy. Exercise tolerance was assessed using a 6 min walk test (6 MWT), while psychological parameters were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the brief World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale (WHOQOL-BRIEF). The analysis of the post-rehabilitation results showed a statistically significant improvement in both groups regarding depression (VR: 6.9 (3.9) vs. 4.7 (3.5), p = 0.008; CG: 7.64 (4.5) vs. 6.6 (4.8), p = 0.017) and anxiety (VR: 8.6 (4.6) vs. 5.6 (3.3), p < 0.001; CG: 9.57 (6.0) vs. 8 (4.8), p = 0.003). No statistically significant improvements in quality of life were noted in both groups. Moreover, the analysis showed a statistically significant improvement in the exercise capacity in both groups after completion of the rehabilitation program, expressed as a distance in the 6 MWT, as well as a statistically significant improvement in dyspnea in the VR group. To conclude, the analysis of the preliminary data revealed that a 3-week hospital-based pulmonary rehabilitation program for COVID-19 patients led to an improvement in exercise tolerance as well as a reduction in the symptoms of anxiety and depression. The virtual reality-based form of training delivery, despite its attractiveness, did not significantly affect patients’ performance.

Suggested Citation

  • Sebastian Rutkowski & Katarzyna Bogacz & Oliver Czech & Anna Rutkowska & Jan Szczegielniak, 2022. "Effectiveness of an Inpatient Virtual Reality-Based Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program among COVID-19 Patients on Symptoms of Anxiety, Depression and Quality of Life: Preliminary Results from a Randomiz," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(24), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:24:p:16980-:d:1006719
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Jan Szczegielniak & Krzysztof J Latawiec & Jacek Łuniewski & Rafał Stanisławski & Katarzyna Bogacz & Marcin Krajczy & Marek Rydel, 2018. "A study on nonlinear estimation of submaximal effort tolerance based on the generalized MET concept and the 6MWT in pulmonary rehabilitation," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 13(2), pages 1-18, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Natalia Budzyńska & Joanna Moryś, 2023. "Anxiety and Depression Levels and Coping Strategies among Polish Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-16, February.

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