NCT06215066

Effect of Virtual Reality and Progressive Muscle Relaxation on Anxiety and Attention Among Cardiac Care Unit Patients

Effect of Virtual Reality and Modified Progressive Muscle Relaxation Distraction Techniques on Anxiety and Attention Among Cardiac Care Unit Patients; RCT.

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 158 (actual)
• Sponsor: Alexandria University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 60 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

A randomized controlled trial with two parallel groups was conducted, to determine the effect of virtual reality (VR) and modified progressive muscle relaxation (MPMR) distraction techniques on anxiety, attention and getting distracted from the external environment among cardiac care unit patients. The study is based on the following hypotheses: H1: Patients who receive VR intervention have lower Hamilton Anxiety Rating (HAM-A) scores than those who receive MPMR intervention. H2: Patients who receive VR intervention exhibit improvement in their physiological parameters than those who receive MPMR intervention. H3: Patients who receive VR intervention have higher Attention/Distraction scores than those who receive MPMR intervention.

Detailed description

This randomized controlled trial with two parallel groups was conducted in the cardiac care unit of Smouha Hospital, affiliated with Alexandria University, Egypt. A total of 158 patients were recruited using a simple random sampling method and assigned to one of two groups to determine the effects of virtual reality (VR) and modified progressive muscle relaxation (MPMR) distraction techniques on anxiety, attention, and distraction from the external environment among cardiac care unit patients. Four assessment tools were used: 1. Sociodemographic and Clinical Assessment. 2. Physiological Parameter Assessment. 3. Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A). 4. Attention/Distraction Scale.

Conditions

• Anxiety

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DEVICE	Virtual reality	The VR goggles and headset phone were placed on the patient's head, straps secured, and lens spacing adjusted for a clear visual field. Patients were instructed to use head movements to control the cursor and interact with the virtual content. The 3D video clips with natural sceneries and background music were played to create a relaxing experience.
OTHER	Modified Progressive Muscle Relaxation	The exercises applied to specific body parts while patients closed their eyes and practiced deep breathing, accompanied by background music.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-04-20
• Primary completion: 2025-05-20
• Completion: 2025-05-24
• First posted: 2024-01-22
• Last updated: 2025-09-26

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Egypt