scholarly journals The impact of mobile virtual reality–enhanced relaxation training on anxiety levels in patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justyna Maciołek ◽  
Wojciech Wąsek ◽  
Bogumił Kamiński ◽  
Katarzyna Piotrowicz ◽  
Paweł Krzesiński
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Cardiac Rehabilitation ◽  
Relaxation Training ◽  
Anxiety Levels ◽  
The Impact

scholarly journals Effect of Immersive Virtual Reality on Pain and Anxiety at a Veterans Affairs Health Care Facility

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caitlin R. Rawlins ◽  
Zachary Veigulis ◽  
Catherine Hebert ◽  
Catherine Curtin ◽  
Thomas F. Osborne
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Care Facility ◽  
Veterans Affairs ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Head Mounted Display ◽  
Anxiety Levels ◽  
The Impact

Objectives: The primary objective of this evaluation is to determine the impact of virtual reality (VR) distraction on acute and chronic pain in Veterans within the Veterans Affairs Health Care System (VA). A secondary objective is to determine the impact of VR on the experience of stress and anxiety in Veterans utilizing VR for the indication of pain. A third objective is to develop an understanding of the Veteran experience of using VR in a healthcare setting.Methods: This prospective, pretest-posttest mixed methods assessment was performed at a VA medical center from August 30, 2019 to November 23, 2020. VR experiences lasted between 10 and 30 min utilizing an immersive head-mounted display with multiple, autonomously chosen virtual environments. Qualitative data was collected concurrently to provide context to quantitative measures which included pain scores and stress/anxiety levels. Data from 79 participants was included in this analysis. Data included pre- and post-VR session Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale and stress/anxiety levels.Results: Results for the cohort demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in pain intensity (p <0 .001) with an average 12% decrease in pain levels and an 92% reduction in anxiety for those in concurrent pain.Conclusion: VR as a non-pharmacological adjunct or alternative modality, appears to be a viable option for improving pain management and reducing anxiety in Veteran populations across various age ranges, and levels of acuity and chronicity. VR was found to be an effective distraction from pain, a pleasurable experience for the majority, and opened the door to other non-pharmacological modalities in a Veteran population.

scholarly journals The impact of virtual reality meditation on college students’ exam performance

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Regina Kaplan-Rakowski ◽  
Karen R. Johnson ◽  
Tomasz Wojdynski
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Test Scores ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Exam Performance ◽  
Test Analysis ◽  
Beneficial Impact ◽  
Anxiety Levels ◽  
Exam Anxiety ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

AbstractAdvocates of meditation claim that it can improve various aspects of life, including health, attention, thinking, and learning. The purpose of this empirical, quantitative, between-subject study was twofold. First, it compared the effectiveness of meditation delivered through virtual reality versus video, as measured by students’ test scores. Second, the study provided insights on the use of meditation, whether via virtual reality or video, as a way to positively affect well-being. T-test analysis showed virtual reality meditation to be significantly more beneficial than video meditation. Students reported that meditation techniques delivered using either medium to be helpful in decreasing their pre-exam anxiety. This study has practical implications and offers evidence on the beneficial impact of VR meditation on students’ exam performance and anxiety levels.

scholarly journals Gamification and Hazard Communication in Virtual Reality: A Qualitative Study

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (14) ◽  
pp. 4663
Author(s):  
Janaina Cavalcanti ◽  
Victor Valls ◽  
Manuel Contero ◽  
David Fonseca
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Training Environment ◽  
Hazard Communication ◽  
Head Mounted Display ◽  
Compliance Behavior ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Recorded Data ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Different Levels

An effective warning attracts attention, elicits knowledge, and enables compliance behavior. Game mechanics, which are directly linked to human desires, stand out as training, evaluation, and improvement tools. Immersive virtual reality (VR) facilitates training without risk to participants, evaluates the impact of an incorrect action/decision, and creates a smart training environment. The present study analyzes the user experience in a gamified virtual environment of risks using the HTC Vive head-mounted display. The game was developed in the Unreal game engine and consisted of a walk-through maze composed of evident dangers and different signaling variables while user action data were recorded. To demonstrate which aspects provide better interaction, experience, perception and memory, three different warning configurations (dynamic, static and smart) and two different levels of danger (low and high) were presented. To properly assess the impact of the experience, we conducted a survey about personality and knowledge before and after using the game. We proceeded with the qualitative approach by using questions in a bipolar laddering assessment that was compared with the recorded data during the game. The findings indicate that when users are engaged in VR, they tend to test the consequences of their actions rather than maintaining safety. The results also reveal that textual signal variables are not accessed when users are faced with the stress factor of time. Progress is needed in implementing new technologies for warnings and advance notifications to improve the evaluation of human behavior in virtual environments of high-risk surroundings.

Left ventricular remodeling: is there a real impact of cardiac rehabilitation?

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
NPD Cunha ◽  
I Aguiar-Ricardo ◽  
T Rodrigues ◽  
P Silverio Antonio ◽  
S Couto Pereira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Exercise Training ◽  
Left Ventricle ◽  
Cardiac Rehabilitation ◽  
Phase Ii ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Cardiac Resynchronization ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽  
Ischemic Disease ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction A number of randomized controlled trials have examined the effect of exercise training on left ventricle (LV) remodeling in individuals with cardiovascular disease. However, the results of these trials have been inconclusive.  Purpose Evaluation of the impact of a cardiac rehabilitation program (CRP) on left ventricle remodelling evaluated by echocardiogram.  Methods Observational single centre study including consecutive patients, undergoing structured CRP since June 2016 until February 2020. Phase II CRP included 3 months of exercise training, aerobic and strength exercise, individually prescribed, 3 times a week, 60 minutes sessions. All patients were submitted to a clinical evaluation, echocardiogram, and cardiopulmonary exercise test before and after the CRP. Results 205 patients (62.6 ± 11 years, 83.4% men, 82.3% ischemic disease) were included in a phase II CRP. Most patients had ischemic disease (82.3%) and 23.5% of patients had left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <40%. Of the cardiovascular risk factors, hypertension was the most prevalent (76%), followed by dyslipidaemia (67.4%), active smoking (45.9%) and diabetes (26.9%).  After the CRP, there was a significant improvement of LVEF (from 48.3 ± 13 to 52 ± 11.6 %, p = 0.001) and a significant reduction of LV volumes (LV end-diastolic volume, LVEDV , decreased from 140 ± 81 to 121 ± 57, p = 0.002; LV end-systolic volume , LVESV , reduced from 80 ± 75 to 64 ± 48, p = 0.004). Considering only the patients with LVEF < 40% (n = 38), the improvement was even greater: LVEF increased from 30 ± 8 to 39 ± 13 (p = 0.002); LVEDV reduced from 206 ± 107 to 159 ± 81 (p = 0.001) and LVESV reduced from 142 ± 99 to 101 ± 66 (p = 0.002). 63.6%(n = 14) of these patients improved at least 10% of LVEF and only 1 of them had a cardiac resynchronization therapy device.  Conclusions A phase II CR program was associated with significant improvements in left ventricular reverse remodelling irrespective of baseline EF classification. Those with reduced baseline EF derived an even greater improvement, highlighting the great importance of CR in this subgroup of patients.

scholarly journals The effect of water immersion on vection in virtual reality

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Géraldine Fauville ◽  
Anna C. M. Queiroz ◽  
Erika S. Woolsey ◽  
Jonathan W. Kelly ◽  
Jeremy N. Bailenson
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Motion Sickness ◽  
Water Immersion ◽  
Sensory Information ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Visually Induced Motion Sickness ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Induced Motion ◽  
Ground Condition ◽  
The Impact

AbstractResearch about vection (illusory self-motion) has investigated a wide range of sensory cues and employed various methods and equipment, including use of virtual reality (VR). However, there is currently no research in the field of vection on the impact of floating in water while experiencing VR. Aquatic immersion presents a new and interesting method to potentially enhance vection by reducing conflicting sensory information that is usually experienced when standing or sitting on a stable surface. This study compares vection, visually induced motion sickness, and presence among participants experiencing VR while standing on the ground or floating in water. Results show that vection was significantly enhanced for the participants in the Water condition, whose judgments of self-displacement were larger than those of participants in the Ground condition. No differences in visually induced motion sickness or presence were found between conditions. We discuss the implication of this new type of VR experience for the fields of VR and vection while also discussing future research questions that emerge from our findings.

scholarly journals Exploring the Impact of Restricted Partners’ Visiting Policies on Non-Infected Mothers’ Mental Health and Breastfeeding Rates during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 6347
Author(s):  
Daniela Morniroli ◽  
Alessandra Consales ◽  
Lorenzo Colombo ◽  
Elena Nicoletta Bezze ◽  
Lidia Zanotta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Perinatal Care ◽  
Mode Of Delivery ◽  
Maternal Anxiety ◽  
Specific Situation ◽  
Caregiver Support ◽  
Anxiety Levels ◽  
Breastfeeding Rates ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mean State

Changes in perinatal care occurring during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may negatively affect mothers’ mental health and breastfeeding. This study, performed between April and May 2020, aimed to investigate the effect of restricted partners’ visiting policies on non-infected mother’s anxiety symptoms, the perceived postpartum support, and the breastfeeding outcomes at discharge. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a neonatal tertiary referral center in northern Italy during Italy’s lockdown. We enrolled mothers with a negative nasopharyngeal swab for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), adequate oral and written comprehension of the Italian language, and absence of underlying maternal or neonatal clinical conditions. Maternal anxiety levels were assessed through the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-Form Y (STAI-Y). Maternal perception of staff’s support was evaluated by the Nurse Parent Support Tool (NPST). A STATE-A (concurrent emotional state after a specific situation) score ≥ 40 was considered indicative of clinically significant symptoms of anxiety. A total of 109 mothers completed the study. Mean STATE-A score was ≥40 in 42% of mothers, and median NPST score was 4.23. Mothers separated from their partner had a mean STATE-A score ≥ 40 in a higher percentage of cases than those who were not (51% vs. 30%, p = 0.03) and a lower perception of caregiver support. A NPST score ≤4.23, partner ‘s absence during the hospital stay and primiparity were independently associated with a STATE-A score ≥ 40. Breastfeeding rates at discharge were not influenced by maternal anxiety levels and partner’s restricted policies. Instead, they were influenced by mode of delivery, a well-known risk factor, and pre-pandemic intention to breastfeed. Our study demonstrates the positive impact of a partner’s presence on maternal mental health and perception of caregiver support.

scholarly journals The impact of additional resistance and balance training in exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation in older patients after valve surgery or intervention: randomized control trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Egle Tamulevičiūtė-Prascienė ◽  
Aurelija Beigienė ◽  
Mark James Thompson ◽  
Kristina Balnė ◽  
Raimondas Kubilius ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Rehabilitation ◽  
Physical Performance ◽  
Older Patients ◽  
Balance Training ◽  
Valve Surgery ◽  
Walk Test ◽  
Physical Frailty ◽  
Additional Resistance ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background To evaluate the short- and mid-term effect of a specially tailored resistance and balance training provided in addition to usual cardiac rehabilitation (CR) care program in older patients after valve surgery/intervention. Methods Single-center (inpatient CR clinic in Lithuania) randomized controlled trial. Two hundred fifty-two patients were assessed for eligibility on the first day of admittance to CR early after (14.5 ± 5.9 days) valve surgery/intervention between January 2018 and November 2019. Participants were coded centrally in accordance with randomization 1:1 using a computerized list. Control group (CG) patients were provided with usual care phase-II-CR inpatient multidisciplinary CR program, while intervention group (IG) patients received additional resistance and balance training (3 d/wk). Patients participated in a 3-month follow-up. Main outcome measures were functional capacity (6 min walk test (6MWT, meters), cardiopulmonary exercise testing), physical performance (Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB, score) and 5-m walk test (5MWT, meters/second)), strength (one repetition maximum test for leg press), physical frailty (SPPB, 5MWT). Results One hundred sixteen patients (76.1 ± 6.7 years, 50% male) who fulfilled the study inclusion criteria were randomized to IG (n = 60) or CG (n = 56) and participated in CR (18.6 ± 2.7 days). As a result, 6MWT (IG 247 ± 94.1 vs. 348 ± 100.1, CG 232 ± 102.8 vs. 333 ± 120.7), SPPB (IG 8.31 ± 2.21 vs. 9.51 ± 2.24, CG 7.95 ± 2.01 vs. 9.08 ± 2.35), 5MWT (IG 0.847 ± 0.31 vs. 0.965 ± 0.3, CG 0.765 ± 0.24 vs 0.879 ± 0.29) all other outcome variables and physical frailty level improved significantly (p < 0.05) in both groups with no significant difference between groups. Improvements were sustained over the 3-month follow-up for 6MWT (IG 348 ± 113 vs. CG 332 ± 147.4), SPPB (IG 10.37 ± 1.59 vs CG 9.44 ± 2.34), 5MWT (IG 1.086 ± 0. 307 vs CG 1.123 ± 0.539) and other variables. Improvement in physical frailty level was significantly more pronounced in IG (p < 0.05) after the 3-month follow-up. Conclusion Exercise-based CR improves functional and exercise capacity, physical performance, and muscular strength, and reduces physical frailty levels in patients after valve surgery/intervention in the short and medium terms. SPPB score and 5MWT were useful for physical frailty assessment, screening and evaluation of outcomes in a CR setting. Additional benefit from the resistance and balance training could not be confirmed. Trial registration NCT04234087, retrospectively registered 21 January 2020.

Enhancing Patient Motivation through Intelligibility in Cardiac Tele-rehabilitation

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 122-137
Author(s):  
Supraja Sankaran ◽  
Kris Luyten ◽  
Dominique Hansen ◽  
Paul Dendale ◽  
Karin Coninx
Keyword(s):  
Medication Adherence ◽  
Exercise Training ◽  
Physical Exercise ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Cardiac Rehabilitation ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Patient Motivation ◽  
Physical Exercise Training ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Physical exercise training and medication compliance are primary components of cardiac rehabilitation. When rehabilitating independently at home, patients often fail to comply with their prescribed medication and find it challenging to interpret exercise targets or be aware of the expected efforts. Our work aims to assist cardiac patients in understanding their condition better, promoting medication adherence and motivating them to achieve their exercise targets in a tele-rehabilitation setting. We introduce a patient-centric intelligible visualization approach to present prescribed medication and exercise targets to patients. We assessed efficacy of intelligible visualizations on patients’ comprehension in two lab studies. We evaluated the impact on patient motivation and health outcomes in field studies. Patients were able to adhere to medication prescriptions, manage their physical exercises, monitor their progress and gained better self-awareness on how they achieved their rehabilitation targets. Patients confirmed that the intelligible visualizations motivated them to achieve their targets better. We observed an improvement in overall physical activity levels and health outcomes of patients. Research Highlights Presents challenges currently faced in cardiac tele-rehabilitation. Demonstrates how intelligibility was applied to two core aspects of cardiac rehabilitation- promoting medication adherence and physical exercise training. Lab., field and clinical studies to demonstrate efficacy of intelligible visualization, impact on patient motivation and resultant health outcomes. Reflection on how similar HCI approaches could be leveraged for technology-supported management of critical health conditions such as cardiac diseases.

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