Augmented reality-based pulmonary rehabilitation in advanced lung cancer patients to improve muscle strength and function and reduce respiratory distress.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an AR-tailored application (app)-based PR program comprising individualized strength, balance, and breathing training at least three times weekly for patients with advanced lung cancer as compared to typical paper-based brochures. The second objective of this study was to assess the extent to which AR_APP-assisted pulmonary rehabilitation reduces the clinical burden on nursing staff and their level of satisfaction.

This is a prospective, two-group design. Fifty patients with advanced lung cancer were enrolled in this study. Thirty patients received AR-based therapy and 20 received paper-based PR. The PR program, including strength, balance, and breathing training, was performed three times daily during hospitalization until the patients were discharged. The primary outcomes were improvements in patient strength, balance, and degree of dyspnea. The statistical significance was set to P.05.

There were significant improvements in quadriceps strength (AR-based: mean change 2.1 kg, P=.015), balance function, and degree of dyspnea after PR in the total cohort, whereas no significant improvements in grip strength (AR-based: mean change 0.9 kg, P=.269) were noted. Moreover, there was no significant difference in the degree of improvement between AR-based and paper-based PR. The questionnaire survey revealed less clinical workload and more efficient communication for the nursing staff with AR-based PR. Patients also reported that AR-based PR induced higher motivation.

AR-based PR can effectively maintain muscle strength, reduce dyspnea and fatigue, and improve balance in hospitalized patients with advanced lung cancer. These effects are similar to those observed in paper-based PR. Additionally, AR-based PR has been associated with higher patient motivation and lower clinical workload for nursing staff.

Both AR-based and paper-based pulmonary rehabilitation, undergoing anticancer treatment course, are effective in reducing physical deterioration during hospitalization.This study is the first to implement augmented reality (AR) technology in pulmonary rehabilitation for advanced lung cancer patients, enhancing motivation and adherence, and reducing the clinical workload for nursing staff by providing audio-visual stimulation and real-time feedback. The AR-based pulmonary rehabilitation provides an alternative option for clinical practice.