Benefits from Incorporating Virtual Reality in Pulmonary Rehabilitation of COPD Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is characterized by irreversible airflow limitation. Patient participation in Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) programs has a beneficial effect on disease management, improving patients’ functional capacity and quality of life. As an alternative to traditional programs or as a complementary activity, the inclusion of virtual reality (VR) games is proposed. The aim of this research study was to investigate the effectiveness of incorporating VR in the pulmonary rehabilitation program of patients with COPD. A systematic literature search was performed for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the electronic databases Google Scholar, PubMed, and Pedro from January 2014 to March 2022. The search involved screening for studies examining the effectiveness of enhancing PR with VR. The PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database) scale was chosen as the tool to assess the quality of studies. A meta-analysis was performed where possible. Six studies were included in this systematic review. The PEDro scale showed five studies of good methodological quality and one of fair quality. The variables examined were aerobic capacity for exercise, lung function, and anxiety and depression, with significant improvement regarding 6MWT and FEV1 (p < 0.05). There was variability noted in the VR applications and the proposed rehabilitation that the experimental groups followed. The application of VR is recommended for COPD patients, in combination with conventional PR. VR was found to be effective in increasing therapeutic effect and should be considered as a mean of increasing accessibility to PR. Therefore, further research, as well as additional RCTs regarding the effectiveness of VR in patients with COPD, seems necessary.

Biofeedback Respiratory Rehabilitation Training System Based on Virtual Reality Technology

“…Mitsea et al [15] introduced a virtual slow breathing training system that provides immersive relaxation scenes to achieve a stable breathing rate. Irini Patsaki [16] applied VR rehabilitation training in the treatment of COPD patients to effectively increase the treatment effect. In rehabilitation training after musculoskeletal injuries [17], scholars have developed virtual reality-based rehabilitation training to help athletes recover from musculoskeletal injuries.…”

Virtual reality as an adjunct to pulmonary rehabilitation of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

“…After we submitted our protocol, a study conducted a meta-analysis on the effect of VR as an auxiliary tool for PR in patients with COPD. 21 We note that this study had a limited number of databases included and a relatively short time period for study inclusion, which raises concerns about its quality. Thus, we devised an extensive systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the influence of VR when used in conjunction with PR for patients with COPD.…”

Comment on Patsaki et al. Benefits from Incorporating Virtual Reality in Pulmonary Rehabilitation of COPD Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Adv. Respir. Med. 2023, 91, 324–336

“…I am writing this comment regarding the review article by Patsaki et al titled "Benefits from Incorporating Virtual Reality in Pulmonary Rehabilitation of COPD Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" [1] that was published on 10 August 2023. I have read the article with great interest and appreciate the authors' efforts to synthesize the evidence on this topic.…”