Effect of a Virtual Reality Exercise on Patients Undergoing Haemodialysis: A Randomised Controlled Clinical Trial Research Protocol

Abstract

High levels of inflammatory markers have been associated with a greater deterioration of renal function and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. For its part, physical exercise has been shown to be beneficial in improving the functional, psychological, and inflammatory states of patients with chronic kidney failure (CKF) undergoing haemodialysis (HD) treatment, improving their health-related quality of life. In recent years, virtual reality (VR) has been studied and described as an effective and safe tool that improves patients’ adherence to exercise programs. For these reasons, we propose to analyse the effect of VR exercise on the functional, psychological, and inflammatory states of patients on HD, as well as their levels of adherence to exercise, and compare them with static pedalling exercises. We will randomise 80 patients with CKF into two blind groups: an experimental group, which will carry out an intradialytic exercise program with non-immersive VR (n = 40), and a control group, which will exercise with a static pedal (n = 40). Functional capacity, inflammatory and phycological status, and exercise adherence will be analysed. Higher levels of adherence to exercise are expected in the VR group, which will have greater effects on the patients’ functional capacity and psychological and inflammatory status.

Non-Pharmacological Interventions for Pain Management in Hemodialysis: A Narrative Review

“…Emerging as an innovative immersive technology, virtual reality has demonstrated potential benefits in pain management for individuals undergoing hemodialysis. This includes improved exercise adherence, enhanced functional capacity, improved cardiovascular health and psychological state, and making hemodialysis sessions more tolerable [ 53 , 54 ]. VR interventions may also promote patient compliance and engagement in treatment without any reported adverse events.…”

“…Another study conducted in Spain by Romero et al [ 54 ] investigated the effects of virtual reality exercise on the functional and psychological states of patients having chronic kidney failure (CKF) undergoing hemodialysis treatment. The study randomized 80 patients into two groups: an experimental group that will use no immersive VR for intradialytic exercise and a control group that will exercise with a static pedal.…”

“…Despite these promising results, more extensive research is needed to establish the effectiveness and feasibility of VR as a non-pharmacological intervention in this population [ 55 ]. Given its potential as a distraction technique, VR can be particularly beneficial in addressing procedure-related pain during hemodialysis sessions [ 54 , 55 ].…”

Effects of virtual reality for psychological health of ICU patients: a study protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Virtual reality (VR) refers to a virtual world that produces a realistic 3D vision, touch, smell and other sensory experiences with the help of computers and devices, to enable people in the virtual world a sense of immersion 2 13. Compared with traditional methods, VR presents unique advantages.…”

Effects of Virtual Reality Pilates Training on Duration of Posture Maintenance and Flow in Young, Healthy Individuals: Randomized Crossover Trial

“…Moreover, VR technology is effective at improving physical activity in sports and military training [9]. A VR-based exercise rehabilitation program was effective in improving the physical strength of patients undergoing hemodialysis and in improving psychological outcomes-such as quality of life, depression, and anxiety-in those with cardiovascular diseases [10][11][12].…”