The Effect of Virtual Reality on Anxiety and Vital Signs in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Replacement Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Yusuf Beşirik, Serap Sayar
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial evaluated whether intraoperative virtual reality affected anxiety and vital signs in 70 patients undergoing total knee replacement. Patients were allocated to virtual reality, viewing nature and landscape images for 1 hour during surgery, or routine intraoperative care. Anxiety scores were significantly lower with virtual reality than with control (t = -11.854; P = .00; η 2 = 0.508). Vital-sign effects were limited: pulse rate was lower in the virtual reality group at 30, 45, and 60 minutes, while other reported measurements showed no significant between-group differences.
Key findings
- Mean State Anxiety Inventory scores were significantly lower with virtual reality than with routine care (t = -11.854; P = .00; η 2 = 0.508).
- Pulse rate was lower in the virtual reality group at 30, 45, and 60 minutes (P < .05).
- No significant group differences were found in respiratory rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, or pulse rate at 0 and 15 minutes (P > .05).
Why it matters
Anxiety during surgery is a relevant patient outcome, and this trial suggests that a brief immersive visual intervention may reduce anxiety during total knee replacement. The findings also indicate that any measured physiological effect was selective rather than a broad change across vital signs, which helps frame the intervention’s potential role and the outcomes that may warrant further evaluation.
What to keep in mind
The study included 70 patients, and the abstract reports outcomes only during surgery; it does not describe longer-term effects.