Golden Breath: Feasibility and Acceptability of Biofeedback-based Virtual Reality Game for Children

Children's increasing interest in phones, tablets, and computer games has led to the integration of technological interventions in pediatric healthcare services. Innovations such as telemedicine, telerehabilitation, mobile health applications, virtual reality (VR), and mobile games provide easy and accessible ways to meet children's health needs. VR, in particular, has gained popularity as a technological intervention, with numerous studies evaluating its effectiveness during children's medical procedures. Research has shown that VR use during procedures like port catheter needle insertion significantly reduces pain and fear. Similarly, VR during venipuncture has been found to positively affect children's pain, fear, and anxiety levels.

In addition to VR, integrating biofeedback technologies into VR experiences has shown positive effects on children's psychosocial outcomes. Studies on biofeedback-based VR games highlight their anxiety-reducing effects. For instance, a biofeedback-based VR game was found to reduce anxiety in children, and a neurofeedback video game, MindLight, significantly lowered anxiety levels. Another study found that a biofeedback-based video game during venipuncture helped distract children from the painful procedure, reducing their pain levels.

Combining VR and biofeedback technologies is believed to enhance intervention outcomes. Biofeedback alone may provide overly abstract or complex visual feedback, while the increased interactivity of VR boosts user engagement. Effective attention capture and active participation are crucial for developing skills and ensuring consistency through these technologies. Biofeedback in VR helps users control their physiological parameters, which is particularly beneficial for children, who can be difficult to engage effectively. These technologies can serve as effective methods for distracting children during medical procedures.

Pediatric medical procedures often cause pain, fear, and anxiety, which can persist long after the procedure and complicate treatment adherence. Therefore, controlling pain, fear, and anxiety is extremely important. Recent analyses highlight the potential of VR and biofeedback-assisted interventions to alleviate emotional distress in children. Moreover, the rise in digital engagement encourages healthcare professionals to develop new approaches to support child health in clinical settings.