THE EFFECTIVENESS OF VIRTUAL REALITY IN CARDIAC REHABILITATION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Background: Nowadays, there is an increasing use of virtual reality (VR) systems in the treatment of stroke, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease due to its proven effectivity. The use of this system has been explored by several studies in its use at the different phases of cardiac rehabilitation (CR). However, there is no consensus regarding its effectivity on patients undergoing CR.

Purpose: To systematically review the extent of literature on the effectiveness of virtual reality in cardiac rehabilitation and to identify which specific virtual reality systems are effective to a specified cardiovascular disease.

Methods: Eligible studies were identified by searching electronic databases and hand searching using reference list and citations of the reviewed articles. Two independent reviewers performed all levels of study selection, that is, from searching the databases using the agreed search strategy to screening the titles and abstracts of articles, until selecting and identifying studies included in this review after full texts were retrieved.

Results: Four (4) out of the fifty-five (55) articles assessed were identified and met the inclusion criteria. The four studies included in this review were randomized controlled trials and were classified as Level II intervention studies using virtual reality as a treatment during cardiac rehabilitation. The pooled data of the included studies were heterogenous leading to a narrative analysis. Key outcome measures include Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Nottingham Health profile (NHP), Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), peak heart rate, peak oxygen consumption, and Stroop test. All the included studies resulted to a statistically significant effect of virtual reality in cardiac rehabilitation, specific to phases II and III.

Conclusion(s): Semi-immersive or non-immersive VR systems, such as Wii and Kinect, as an intervention in cardiac rehabilitation can potentially improve the functional performance of patients with stable angina pectoris, post-operative coronary artery bypass graft and valve replacement.

Implications: These results may help provide insights to practicing clinicians in cardiac rehabilitation on their treatment approach. Similarly, they may use of virtual reality as an adjunct or alternative intervention to their patients depending on patient's condition and the physical therapist's training.

Funding, acknowledgements: None

Keywords: virtual reality, cardiac rehabilitation, cardiovascular disease

Topic: Cardiorespiratory

Did this work require ethics approval? No

Institution: University of Santo Tomas

Committee: University of Santo Tomas Graduate School Ethics Review Committee

Reason: A systematic review does not require approval from ethics committee