1. A Single Session of Virtual Reality Improved Tiredness, Shortness of Breath, Anxiety, Depression and Well-Being in Hospitalized Individuals with COVID-19: A Randomized Clinical Trial
- Author
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Rodrigues, IM, Gomes Lima, A, dos Santos, AE, Almeida Santos, AC, Silva do Nascimento, L, Cavalcanti Lins Serra, MV, de Jesus Santos Pereira, T, Silva Barbosa, FD, Martins Seixas, V, Monte-Silva, K, Dias da Silva Scipioni, KR, Cezar Da Cruz, D, Piscitelli, D, Goffredo, M, Bolivar Gois-Junior, M, de Freitas Zanona, A, Rodrigues, IM, Gomes Lima, A, dos Santos, AE, Almeida Santos, AC, Silva do Nascimento, L, Cavalcanti Lins Serra, MV, de Jesus Santos Pereira, T, Silva Barbosa, FD, Martins Seixas, V, Monte-Silva, K, Dias da Silva Scipioni, KR, Cezar Da Cruz, D, Piscitelli, D, Goffredo, M, Bolivar Gois-Junior, M, and de Freitas Zanona, A
- Abstract
Background: In 2020, the world was surprised by the spread and mass contamination of the new Coronavirus (COVID-19). COVID-19 produces symptoms ranging from a common cold to severe symptoms that can lead to death. Several strategies have been implemented to improve the well-being of patients during their hospitalization, and virtual reality (VR) has been used. However, whether patients hospitalized for COVID-19 can benefit from this intervention remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether VR contributes to the control of pain symptoms, the sensation of dyspnea, perception of well-being, anxiety, and depression in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Methods: A randomized, double-blind clinical trial was designed. Patients underwent a single session of VR and usual care. The experimental group (n = 22) received VR content to promote relaxation, distraction, and stress relief, whereas the control group (n = 22) received non-specific VR content. Results: The experimental group reported a significant decrease in tiredness, shortness of breath, anxiety, and an increase in the feeling of well-being, whereas the control group showed improvement only in the tiredness and anxiety. Conclusions: VR is a resource that may improve the symptoms of tiredness, shortness of breath, anxiety, and depression in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Future studies should investigate the effect of multiple VR sessions on individuals with COVID-19.
- Published
- 2022