The use of virtual reality in reducing anxiety during cast removal: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Purpose While virtual reality (VR) has been shown to be an effective distractor in children across a range of procedures, no studies have looked at its use within paediatric orthopaedics. The purpose of this study was to look at the use of VR in reducing anxiety levels in children during cast removal. In addition, the study aimed to find ways to enhance the efficiency of future VR trials in paediatrics. Methods A non-blinded randomized control trial took place in children aged four to 18 years. Intraprocedural anxiety was measured using the Children’s Emotional Manifestation Scale (CEMS), while pre- and post-procedural anxiety was measured using the Short State Anxiety Inventory Scale. Additional data was collected on trait anxiety, nausea levels, desire for future VR use and areas of improvement for future VR studies. Results A total of 90 subjects were included in the study (control n = 45, intervention n = 45) with a mean age of 10.25 years (sd 3.35). Post-procedural anxiety and intraprocedural anxiety were 18% (p = 0.03) and 24% (p = 0.01) lower in the VR group, respectively, with the CEMS facial component showing a 31% (p < 0.001) reduction in the VR group. In all, 99% (n = 89) of subjects experienced no nausea, with one patient experiencing mild nausea that may have been present prior to VR use. Finally, 90% (n = 81) of subjects said they would like to use VR again, 1% (n = 1) said ‘no’ and 9% (n = 8) said ‘maybe’. Conclusion VR appears to be an effective distraction technique in reducing anxiety levels in children during cast removal.

Intraoperative virtual reality distraction in TKA under spinal anesthesia: a preliminary study

“…Nevertheless, Hoxhallari et al reported a decrease in patient anxiety in upper limb surgery under local anesthesia in a prospective comparative study [17]. For pediatrics surgery, Jivraj et al showed a decrease in children anxiety with VR during cast removal [18]. Therefore, this study brings new arguments supporting VR interest in TKA.…”

“…In the present study, the mean age was 73.5 years old, with a slightly older population in group 1. The literature on VR experience mostly reflects the pediatric population [18,20,21]. In the study by Huang et al, the average age in VR group was 65 years [9].…”

Investigating Issues and Needs of Dyslexic Students at University: Proof of Concept of an Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality-Based Supporting Platform and Preliminary Results

“…In light of its peculiar features, virtual reality (VR) has proven to be a powerful tool to achieve this goal and, in fact, its use in this area is increasing [36,37]. VR also provides a control environment that submerges the user in a controlled but relaxed structure, making it possible to carry out screening tests and decreasing emotional distress [38]. The second group aims at selecting the best tests among the available ones [39,40].…”

“…To overcome this, psychometric tests will be delivered by relying on VR. Its characteristics, indeed, allow recreating an interactive environment with high fidelity, thus presenting any material in a playful and appealing way, which is likely to improve engagement and attention [38]. In addition, tests performing time will be reduced and the obtained results will be collected and stored more easily and in a convenient way for their use in the AI module.…”

The Higher Education Sustainability before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Spanish and Ecuadorian Case

“…The educational structures tend to include ICTs with a higher compliance capacity, accessibility, and end-user attractiveness. Additionally, the utilization of virtual realities via mobile devices and headsets is increasing, as they allow the immersion and acquiring of theoretical or practical skills [15][16][17].…”