Virtual Reality-Supported Cardiac Rehabilitation: Psychological, Functional, and Physiological Perspectives

Launched by WROCLAW UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH AND SPORT SCIENCES · Mar 19, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how virtual reality (VR) can help people with heart diseases during their recovery process. The study wants to find out if using VR in cardiac rehabilitation can improve not just physical health, but also mental well-being by reducing feelings of depression, stress, and anxiety. Researchers will compare the effects of VR-assisted rehabilitation to traditional methods, focusing on how it affects overall quality of life, physical activity, and functional abilities.

To participate in this study, individuals aged 18 to 45 who have certain heart conditions, like coronary artery disease or hypertension, may be eligible, as long as they are in the second stage of cardiac rehabilitation at an outpatient facility. However, people with severe mental health issues, current psychiatric treatments, or significant sensory or cognitive impairments will not be able to join. If you participate, you can expect to engage in VR activities designed to support your recovery while receiving care and support from healthcare professionals. This trial is still in the planning stage and has not started recruiting participants yet.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • cardiovascular diseases (atherosclerosis, hypertension, coronary artery disease, ischemic heart disease, peripheral artery disease, rheumatic heart disease, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and post-myocardial infraction)
• • the second stage of cardiac rehabilitation conducted in outpatient settings
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Severe psychiatric disorders (e.g., psychotic symptoms, bipolar disorder)
• • initiation of psychiatric treatment or individual psychological therapy during the study period
• • current use of antidepressant medications
• • cognitive impairments that hinder questionnaire completion, consciousness disorders
• • sensory impairments (e.g., severe visual or auditory deficits) that limit interaction with virtual reality.