Virtual reality applications for rehabilitation of COVID‐19 patients: A systematic review

Marzaleh, Milad Ahmadi; Peyravi, Mahmoudreza; Azhdari, Negar; Bahaadinbeigy, Kambiz; Sharifian, Roxana; Samad‐Soltani, Taha; Sarpourian, Fatemeh

doi:10.1002/hsr2.853

Cited by 14 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 47 publications

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“…Information in the literature on the impact of VR exercise in long-post-COVID-19 patients and its impact on fitness indicators, dyspnea, and leg fatigue is insufficient (14). Therefore, our study aimed to investigate the effect of exercise with and without a VR system (VR vs. no-VR) and assess, breathlessness and indicators of functional fitness in long-post-COVID-19 patients with mild cognitive impairment after self-selected exercise duration using the VR system (SSE-VR).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Breathlessness and exercise with virtual reality system in long-post-coronavirus disease 2019 patients

Stavrou

Vavougios²,

Kalogiannis³

et al. 2023

Front. Public Health

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Long-post-coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) patients tend to claim residual symptomatology from various systems, most importantly the respiratory and central nervous systems. Breathlessness and brain fog are the main complaints. The pulmonary function pattern is consistent with restrictive defects, which, in most cases, are self-resolved, while the cognitive profile may be impaired. Rehabilitation is an ongoing field for holistic management of long-post-COVID-19 patients. Virtual reality (VR) applications may represent an innovative implementation of rehabilitation. We aimed to investigate the effect of exercise with and without the VR system and to assess further breathlessness and functional fitness indicators in long-post-COVID-19 patients with mild cognitive impairment after self-selected exercise duration using the VR system. Twenty long-post-COVID-19 patients were enrolled in our study (age: 53.9 ± 9.1 years, male: 80%, body mass index: 28.1 ± 3.1 kg/m2). Participants' anthropometric data were recorded, and they underwent pulmonary functional test evaluation as well as sleep quality and cognitive assessment. The participants randomly exercised with and without a VR system (VR vs. no-VR) and, later, self-selected the exercise duration using the VR system. The results showed that exercise with VR resulted in a lower dyspnea score than exercise without VR. In conclusion, VR applications seem to be an attractive and safe tool for implementing rehabilitation. They can enhance performance during exercise and benefit patients with both respiratory and cognitive symptoms.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Breathlessness and exercise with virtual reality system in long-post-coronavirus disease 2019 patients

Stavrou

Vavougios²,

Kalogiannis³

et al. 2023

Front. Public Health

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“…Additionally, Kılıc ¸et al's study (23) demonstrated that progressive relaxation exercises can reduce dyspnea and anxiety levels in individuals with COPD. Furthermore, Ahmadi et al's study (24) reported a positive effect of breathing exercises on increasing lung volumes and expansion, leading to improved oxygenation and proper distribution of oxygen to all parts of the body, which suggests that breathing exercises can increase lung function in individuals.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Effectiveness of Combined Resistance and Breathing Exercise Education in Alleviating Dyspnea and Anxiety Among COVID-19 Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Ramezani,

Saboohi,

Hamoongard

et al. 2024

Middle East J Rehabil Health Stud

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Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can lead to dyspnea and anxiety among patients. Previous studies have demonstrated that resistance and breathing exercises can enhance respiratory function and reduce anxiety in various populations. However, the effectiveness of combined resistance and breathing exercises in alleviating dyspnea and anxiety, specifically in COVID-19 patients, remains uncertain. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of combined resistance and breathing exercises in alleviating dyspnea and anxiety among COVID-19 patients. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 33 COVID-19 patients who were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group received combined resistance and breathing exercises for 4 weeks; nevertheless, the control group did not receive any such intervention. Dyspnea and anxiety levels were assessed using the Borg Dyspnea Scale and the Beck Anxiety Inventory, respectively, at baseline and after the 4-week intervention period. Results: After 4 weeks of intervention, the intervention group exhibited a significant improvement in both dyspnea (P = 0.039) and anxiety (P = 0.007), compared to the control group. The mean anxiety score in the intervention group decreased significantly from 18.5 ± 10.1 to 7.6 ± 5.7; nonetheless, the mean anxiety score changed from 15.6 ± 7.7 to 13.6 ± 6.1 in the control group. Conclusions: Combined resistance and breathing exercises have proven to be effective in reducing dyspnea during physical activity and alleviating anxiety in COVID-19 patients. These exercises should be considered a non-pharmacological intervention for managing respiratory symptoms and anxiety in individuals affected by COVID-19.

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“…The results of this research suggest that virtual reality games have the potential to positively impact functional and cognitive outcomes, elevate patient satisfaction levels, and empower individuals to take an active role in their healthcare management. Given the unique challenges faced by COVID-19 patients, the evolving landscape of healthcare delivery, and the critical role of rehabilitation during quarantine, the exploration of novel techniques is imperative to ensure continued treatment, facilitate a return to normalcy, and ultimately improve the overall quality of life for these individuals [47].…”

Section: Future and Related Workmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring the Use of Mobile Health for the Rehabilitation of Long COVID Patients: A Scoping Review

Daniels,

Mourad,

Bonnechère

2024

Healthcare

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The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a substantial revolution in the incorporation of digital solutions in healthcare. This systematic review investigates the enduring physical and psychological consequences individuals experience up to two years post-recovery. Additionally, it focuses on examining the influence of mHealth interventions on these effects. Significantly, 41.7% of survivors experience lingering symptoms that have not been addressed, while 14.1% encounter difficulties in returning to work. The presence of anxiety, compromised respiratory functioning, and persistent symptoms highlight the immediate requirement for specific therapies. Telehealth, particularly telerehabilitation, presents itself as a possible way to address these difficulties. The study thoroughly examines 10 studies encompassing 749 COVID-19 patients, investigating the efficacy of telerehabilitation therapies in addressing various health markers. Telerehabilitation-based breathing exercises yield substantial enhancements in functional performance, dyspnea, and overall well-being. The results emphasize the potential of telerehabilitation to have a favorable effect on patient outcomes; however, more research is needed to strengthen the existing evidence base, as one of the most important limitations is the limited number of trials and the evaluation of varied therapies. This analysis highlights the significance of digital solutions in post-COVID care and calls for ongoing research to improve the comprehension and implementation of telehealth interventions in a swiftly changing healthcare environment.

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Virtual reality applications for rehabilitation of COVID‐19 patients: A systematic review

Cited by 14 publications

References 47 publications

Breathlessness and exercise with virtual reality system in long-post-coronavirus disease 2019 patients

Breathlessness and exercise with virtual reality system in long-post-coronavirus disease 2019 patients

The Effectiveness of Combined Resistance and Breathing Exercise Education in Alleviating Dyspnea and Anxiety Among COVID-19 Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Exploring the Use of Mobile Health for the Rehabilitation of Long COVID Patients: A Scoping Review

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