Virtual Reality Therapy in Cardiology
Condition: Cardiovascular Diseases; Coronary Artery Disease; Depressive Symptoms; Mood Disorders; Anxiety; Stress
MeSH terms: Cardiovascular Diseases; Coronary Artery Disease; Myocardial Ischemia; Coronary Disease; Anxiety Disorders; Depression; Mood Disorders
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      This study evaluates the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) therapy in the treatment of
      depression and anxiety symptoms in patients undergoing second stage of cardiac
      rehabilitation. Half of the study group will receive VR therapy (VR group) as an addition to
      cardiologically monitored physical training. The other half of the group (control group) will
      receive Schultz Autogenic Training as a standard supplement to cardiological training
    

Detailed description: 
      Cardiologically monitored physical training in second stage of cardiac rehabilitation leads
      to the improvement in the physical capacity and overall fitness of the patients with
      cardiovascular diseases, allowing restoration of independence in daily functioning.
      Psychological support is required in order to reduce the negative psychological symptoms
      related to the heart disease. In this study the investigators want to assess the
      effectiveness of the virtual reality (VR) therapy compared to standard psychological support
      (Schultz Autogenic Training).Thanks to using head mounted display (VR goggles) and the
      phenomenon of total immersion VR therapy allows to completely separate the patient from the
      hospital environment, provides an intense visual, auditory and kinesthetic stimulation.
      Depending on the stage of therapy it can have a calming and mood-improving effect or, in
      another part of the therapy, it can motivate the patient to the rehabilitation process. The
      additional aim of the VR therapy is to help the patients regain their emotional balance, let
      them recognize their psychological resources and trigger the natural recovery mechanisms.

      The aims of the project:

        1. The evaluation of the influence of VR therapy on the depressive symptoms and the anxiety
           level of the patients undergoing second stage of cardiac rehabilitation.

        2. The evaluation of the influence of VR therapy on the stress level of the patients
           undergoing second stage of cardiac rehabilitation.
    

Intervention name(s): Cardiac rehabilitation; Virtual therapeutic support; Schultz Autogenic Training
Intervention type(s): Behavioral; Device; Behavioral
Intervention description(s): Four weeks of cardiac rehabilitation conducted in an outpatient care facility. Three times per week (80 minutes per day) cardiologically monitored aerobic training consisting of: 40 minutes of interval training on a cycloergometer and 40 minutes of general fitness exercises.; 8 sessions of VR therapy (each of them 20 minutes long). As a virtual reality source, VR Tier One device (Stolgraf®) were used. Thanks to using head mounted display and the phenomenon of total immersion VR therapy provides an intense visual, auditory and kinesthetic stimulation. It can have a calming and mood-improving effect or help the patients recognize their psychological resources and motivate to the rehabilitation process. In the virtual therapeutic garden there are a rich set of symbols and metaphors based on Ericksonian Psychotherapy approach.; 8 sessions of Schultz Autogenic Training (each of them 20 minutes long).
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single (Outcomes Assessor)
Primary purpose: Treatment
Keywords: virtual reality; cardiac rehabilitation; psychotherapy; cardiac surgery; depression; anxiety; stress