Use of Virtual Reality in Children Undergoing Surgery

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Child, Only

• Registration Number: NCT06882382
• Lead Sponsor: Mustafa Kemal University

Brief Summary

Aim: Early mobilization and exercise after surgery are very important to reduce the impact on lung function. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of early mobilization with virtual reality and conservative physiotherapy methods on pulmonary function, dyspnea, exercise capacity, pain, and kinesiophobia in children undergoing surgery.

Methods: The study included 27 children aged 5-18 years who underwent surgery. Among the children randomly divided into two groups, the control group (n = 14) received physiotherapy for 40 min twice a day for 3 days in the hospital after surgery, and the children were mobilized in and out of bed. In the virtual reality group (n = 13), in addition to physiotherapy practices, children were allowed to play virtual reality games for 20 min twice a day. Respiratory function, exercise capacity, and pain assessment were performed before surgery and before discharge.

Detailed Description

Aim: Early mobilization and exercise after surgery are very important to reduce the impact on lung function. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of early mobilization with virtual reality and conservative physiotherapy methods on pulmonary function, dyspnea, exercise capacity, pain, and kinesiophobia in children undergoing surgery.

Methods: The study included 27 children aged 5-18 years who underwent surgery. Among the children randomly divided into two groups, the control group (n = 14) received physiotherapy for 40 min twice a day for 3 days in the hospital after surgery, and the children were mobilized in and out of bed. In the virtual reality group (n = 13), in addition to physiotherapy practices, children were allowed to play virtual reality games for 20 min twice a day. Respiratory function, exercise capacity, and pain assessment were performed before surgery and before discharge.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2022-10-01
• Primary Completion: 2024-01-01
• Study Completion: 2024-01-01
• Status Verified: 2025-03
• Study First Submitted: 2025-03-06
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-03-12
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-03-12
• Study First Posted: 2025-03-18
• Last Update Posted: 2025-03-18

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 27

Inclusion Criteria

Not provided

Exclusion Criteria

Not provided

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), ratio of forced expiratory volume in the first second to FVC (FEV1/FVC), peak expiratory flow rate (PEF), and forced mid-expiratory flow rate (FEF 25-75%)	4 days	The pulmonary function test was measured using a portable spirometer. According to American Torasic Society/European Respiratory Society (ATS/ERS) criteria, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), ratio of forced expiratory volume in the first second to FVC (FEV1/FVC), peak expiratory flow rate (PEF), and forced mid-expiratory flow rate (FEF 25-75%) were measured. The test was performed in the sitting position. The best of at least three technically acceptable manoeuvres with 95% agreement with each other was selected for statistical analysis.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Respiratory muscle strength Assessment	4 days	Respiratory muscle strength was evaluated using an intraoral pressure measuring device. Maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), inspiratory muscle strength, maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), and expiratory muscle strength were evaluated. MIP was measured using the intraoral pressure measurement method by performing rapid and deep inspiration in the residual volume after maximal expiration. MEP was recorded by performing rapid and deep expiration at total lung capacity after maximum inspiration. Children were verbally encouraged to record the best performance
10 MWT test	4 days	In the 10 MWT, children walked at a normal walking speed within a 10-m section of a 14-m walking distance to prevent the effect of acceleration and deceleration phases of walking, and the time was recorded in seconds
Modified Borg Scale	4 days	Dyspnea evaluation was performed via the Modified Borg Scale (MBS). The scale, which was developed to measure the effort expended during physical exercise, consists of 10 items describing the severity of dyspnea according to its degree. According to the scale, it shows that the severity of dyspnea increases from 0 to 10
Timed Up and Go Test	4 days	Participants were evaluated using the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG). The TUG is a clinical test that measures various components, including walking speed, postural control, functional mobility, and balance. The child was asked to get up from a chair without armrests, return to a sign 3 m away, and sit down. The duration was recorded in seconds
Numerical Pain Scale	4 days	The Numerical Pain Scale was used for pain assessment. The numerical pain scale assesses numerical values between 0 and 10 points
Kinesiophobia	4 days	The Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia was used to assess kinesiophobia. The scale consists of 17 questions questioning the person's fear of movement and is calculated on a total score between 17 and 68. A high score on the scale indicates a high level of kinesiophobia
The 1-min step	4 days	The 1-min step (1-ST) test was performed. In the 1-ST, children were instructed to step reciprocally up and down a 6-in-high step for 1 min, and the number of steps taken was recorded.
BMI	measured once, independent of time	Height was measured and recorded in meters. Body weight was measured and recorded in kilograms. BMI was calculated by dividing body weight by height squared.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Sabiha Bezgin; 🇹🇷 Hatay, Turkey