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Reale G, Fusco A, Calciano R, Vallario N, Vagnarelli G, Caliandro P, Castelli L, Moci M, Tieri G, Iasevoli L, Padua L. The Immediate Effects of Immersive Virtual Reality on Autonomic Nervous System Function in Patients with Disorders of Consciousness after Severe Acquired Brain Injury: A Pilot Study. J Clin Med 2023; 12:7639. [PMID: 38137708 PMCID: PMC10744216 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12247639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Disorders of Consciousness (DoCs) after severe acquired brain injury involve substantial impairment of cognition and physical functioning, requiring comprehensive rehabilitation and support. Technological interventions, such as immersive Virtual Reality (VR), have shown promising results in promoting neural activity and enhancing cognitive and motor recovery. VR can induce physical sensations that may activate the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) and induce ANS-regulated responses. This study aimed to investigate the effects of immersive VR on the ANS in patients with DoCs through the analysis of the electrodermal activity (EDA). EDA was measured with a wearable device during a single immersive VR session consisting of static and dynamic videos depicting naturalistic environments. A pilot case-control study was conducted with 12 healthy participants and 12 individuals with DoCs. Results showed higher EDA values in patients than in healthy participants (p = 0.035), suggesting stronger autonomic activation during immersive VR exposure, while healthy subjects, in turn, showed a decrease in EDA values. Our results revealed a significant interaction between conditions and groups (p = 0.003), with patients showing significantly increased EDA values from the baseline compared to dynamic video observation (p = 0.014) and final rest (p = 0.007). These results suggest that immersive VR can elicit sympathetic arousal in patients with DoCs. This study highlights the potential of immersive VR as a tool to strengthen autonomic responses in patients with impaired consciousness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Reale
- UOC Neuroriabilitazione ad Alta Intensità, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy (A.F.); (M.M.)
| | - Augusto Fusco
- UOC Neuroriabilitazione ad Alta Intensità, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy (A.F.); (M.M.)
| | - Rossella Calciano
- Department of Geriatrics and Orthopaedics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Noemi Vallario
- Department of Geriatrics and Orthopaedics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Vagnarelli
- Department of Geriatrics and Orthopaedics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Pietro Caliandro
- UOC Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Letizia Castelli
- UOC Neuroriabilitazione ad Alta Intensità, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy (A.F.); (M.M.)
| | - Marco Moci
- UOC Neuroriabilitazione ad Alta Intensità, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy (A.F.); (M.M.)
| | - Gaetano Tieri
- Virtual Reality and Digital Neuroscience Lab, Department of Law and Digital Society, University of Rome Unitelma Sapienza, Piazza Sassari, 4, 00161 Rome, Italy;
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Iasevoli
- Multiple Sclerosis Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Padua
- UOC Neuroriabilitazione ad Alta Intensità, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy (A.F.); (M.M.)
- Department of Geriatrics and Orthopaedics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
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Flores-Cortes M, Guerra-Armas J, Pineda-Galan C, La Touche R, Luque-Suarez A. Sensorimotor Uncertainty of Immersive Virtual Reality Environments for People in Pain: Scoping Review. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1461. [PMID: 37891829 PMCID: PMC10604973 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13101461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Decision making and action execution both rely on sensory information, and their primary objective is to minimise uncertainty. Virtual reality (VR) introduces uncertainty due to the imprecision of perceptual information. The concept of "sensorimotor uncertainty" is a pivotal element in the interplay between perception and action within the VR environment. The role of immersive VR in the four stages of motor behaviour decision making in people with pain has been previously discussed. These four processing levels are the basis to understand the uncertainty that a patient experiences when using VR: sensory information, current state, transition rules, and the outcome obtained. METHODS This review examines the different types of uncertainty that a patient may experience when they are immersed in a virtual reality environment in a context of pain. Randomised clinical trials, a secondary analysis of randomised clinical trials, and pilot randomised clinical trials related to the scope of Sensorimotor Uncertainty in Immersive Virtual Reality were included after searching. RESULTS Fifty studies were included in this review. They were divided into four categories regarding the type of uncertainty the intervention created and the stage of the decision-making model. CONCLUSIONS Immersive virtual reality makes it possible to alter sensorimotor uncertainty, but studies of higher methodological quality are needed on this topic, as well as an exploration into the patient profile for pain management using immersive VR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mar Flores-Cortes
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malaga, 29071 Malaga, Spain
| | | | | | - Roy La Touche
- Instituto de Dolor Craneofacial y Neuromusculoesquelético (INDCRAN), 28008 Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Fisioterapia, Centro Superior de Estudios Universitarios La Salle, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28023 Madrid, Spain
- Motion in Brains Research Group, Institute of Neuroscience and Sciences of the Movement (INCIMOV), Centro Superior de Estudios Universitarios La Salle, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28023 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Luque-Suarez
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malaga, 29071 Malaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigacion Biomedica de Malaga (IBIMA), 29071 Malaga, Spain
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Naef AC, Gerber SM, Single M, Müri RM, Haenggi M, Jakob SM, Jeitziner MM, Nef T. Effects of immersive virtual reality on sensory overload in a random sample of critically ill patients. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1268659. [PMID: 37859854 PMCID: PMC10582722 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1268659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sensory overload and sensory deprivation have both been associated with negative health outcomes in critically ill patients. While there is a lack of any clear treatment or prevention strategies, immersive virtual reality is a promising tool for addressing such problems, but which has not been repetitively tested in random samples. Therefore, this study aimed to determine how critically ill patients react to repeated sessions of immersive virtual reality. Methods This exploratory study was conducted in the mixed medical-surgical intermediate care unit of the University Hospital of Bern (Inselspital). Participants (N = 45; 20 women, 25 men; age = 57.73 ± 15.92 years) received two immersive virtual reality sessions via a head-mounted display and noise-canceling headphones within 24 h during their stay in the unit. Each session lasted 30-min and showed a 360-degree nature landscape. Physiological data were collected as part of the participants' standard care, while environmental awareness, cybersickness, and general acceptance were assessed using a questionnaire designed by our team (1 = not at all, 10 = extremely). Results During both virtual reality sessions, there was a significant negative linear relationship found between the heart rate and stimulation duration [first session: r(43) = -0.78, p < 0.001; second session: r(38) = -0.81, p < 0.001] and between the blood pressure and stimulation duration [first session: r(39) = -0.78, p < 0.001; second session: r(30) = -0.78, p < 0.001]. The participants had a high comfort score [median (interquartile range {IQR}) = 8 (7, 10); mean = 8.06 ± 2.31], did not report being unwell [median (IQR) = 1 (1, 1); mean = 1.11 ± 0.62], and were not aware of their real-world surroundings [median (IQR) = 1 (1, 5); mean = 2.99 ± 3.22]. Conclusion The subjectively reported decrease in environmental awareness as well as the decrease in the heart rate and blood pressure over time highlights the ability of immersive virtual reality to help critically ill patients overcome sensory overload and sensory deprivation. Immersive virtual reality can successfully and repetitively be provided to a randomly selected sample of critically ill patients over a prolonged duration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aileen C. Naef
- Gerontechnology and Rehabilitation Group, ARTORG Center For Biomedical Engineering Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Stephan M. Gerber
- Gerontechnology and Rehabilitation Group, ARTORG Center For Biomedical Engineering Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Michael Single
- Gerontechnology and Rehabilitation Group, ARTORG Center For Biomedical Engineering Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - René M. Müri
- Gerontechnology and Rehabilitation Group, ARTORG Center For Biomedical Engineering Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Haenggi
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Stephan M. Jakob
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marie-Madlen Jeitziner
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Public Health (DPH), Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Nursing Science (INS), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Nef
- Gerontechnology and Rehabilitation Group, ARTORG Center For Biomedical Engineering Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Naef AC, Jeitziner MM, Jakob SM, Müri RM, Nef T. Creating Custom Immersive 360-Degree Videos for Use in Clinical and Nonclinical Settings: Tutorial. JMIR MEDICAL EDUCATION 2023; 9:e42154. [PMID: 37707883 PMCID: PMC10540026 DOI: 10.2196/42154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
The use of virtual reality (VR) stimulation in clinical settings has increased in recent years. In particular, there has been increasing interest in the use of VR stimulation for a variety of purposes, including medical training, pain therapy, and relaxation. Unfortunately, there is still a limited amount of real-world 360-degree content that is both available and suitable for these applications. Therefore, this tutorial paper describes a pipeline for the creation of custom VR content. It covers the planning and designing of content; the selection of appropriate equipment; the creation and processing of footage; and the deployment, visualization, and evaluation of the VR experience. This paper aims to provide a set of guidelines, based on first-hand experience, that readers can use to help create their own 360-degree videos. By discussing and elaborating upon the challenges associated with making 360-degree content, this tutorial can help researchers and health care professionals anticipate and avoid common pitfalls during their own content creation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aileen C Naef
- Gerontechnology and Rehabilitation Group, ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marie-Madlen Jeitziner
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Institute of Nursing Science, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stephan M Jakob
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - René M Müri
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Nef
- Gerontechnology and Rehabilitation Group, ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Graf S, Feldmann H, Hunold LS, Steinkraus KC, Nasir N, Michalski CW, Dörr-Harim C, Hüttner FJ. Use of virtual reality in port implantation to reduce perioperative anxiety and pain: protocol for a randomised controlled pilot trial at a single German university hospital (VIP-trial; DRKS00028508). BMJ Open 2023; 13:e074738. [PMID: 37709332 PMCID: PMC10503368 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-074738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Intravenous access port implantation is commonly performed under local anaesthesia, which offers advantages such as increased patient satisfaction and resource savings compared with general anaesthesia. However, patients may experience increased perioperative stress and anxiety in the operating room setting without general anaesthesia. Virtual reality (VR) distraction or hypnosis during surgery under local anaesthesia may help patients to auditorily and visually separate from their real environment and engage with a virtual environment through hypnorelaxing guidance. Previous studies suggested that VR hypnosedation may reduce the use of sedatives or general anaesthesia, and may offer additional benefits such as reducing postoperative pain and nausea, and promoting faster patient discharge. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The VIP trial is a randomised controlled pilot trial comparing the usage of VR during port implantation with the current standard of care (local anaesthesia and analgosedation if needed). A total of 120 adult patients are included after screening for eligibility and obtaining informed consent. Patients are randomised preoperatively in a 1:1 ratio to the trial groups. The main outcomes are change of perioperative anxiety and pain. Further outcomes include patient satisfaction and tolerability, perioperative analgesia and sedation, occurrence of postoperative nausea, vomiting and VR sickness symptoms, surgeon's satisfaction, procedure duration, postoperative complications until postoperative day 30 and patient willingness to hypothetically undergo port implantation again under the same conditions. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The VIP trial has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the Medical Faculty of Ulm University (reference number 03/22). If the intervention demonstrates that VR can effectively reduce perioperative anxiety and pain, it may become a novel standard of care to minimise the need for analgosedation or general anaesthesia in port implantation procedures and improve patient outcomes. The results will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal in the field and will be presented at applicable conferences to ensure rigorous evaluation and access for the academic community. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00028508; registration date 15 March 2022; Universal Trial Number: U1111-1275-4995.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Graf
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hannah Feldmann
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - Lisa S Hunold
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kira C Steinkraus
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
- Clinical Trial Centre ulmCARES, Department of Surgery, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - Nadir Nasir
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
- Clinical Trial Centre ulmCARES, Department of Surgery, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - Christoph W Michalski
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Colette Dörr-Harim
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Felix J Hüttner
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
- Clinical Trial Centre ulmCARES, Department of Surgery, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
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Browning MHEM, Shin S, Drong G, McAnirlin O, Gagnon RJ, Ranganathan S, Sindelar K, Hoptman D, Bratman GN, Yuan S, Prabhu VG, Heller W. Daily exposure to virtual nature reduces symptoms of anxiety in college students. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1239. [PMID: 36690698 PMCID: PMC9868517 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28070-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to natural environments offers an array of mental health benefits. Virtual reality provides simulated experiences of being in nature when outdoor access is limited. Previous studies on virtual nature have focused mainly on single "doses" of virtual nature. The effects of repeated exposure remain poorly understood. Motivated by this gap, we studied the influence of a daily virtual nature intervention on symptoms of anxiety, depression, and an underlying cause of poor mental health: rumination. Forty college students (58% non-Hispanic White, median age = 19) were recruited from two U.S. universities and randomly assigned to the intervention or control group. Over several weeks, anxious arousal (panic) and anxious apprehension (worry) decreased with virtual nature exposure. Participants identifying as women, past VR users, experienced with the outdoors, and engaged with the beauty in nature benefited particularly strongly from virtual nature. Virtual nature did not help symptoms of anhedonic depression or rumination. Further research is necessary to distinguish when and for whom virtual nature interventions impact mental health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew H E M Browning
- Virtual Reality and Nature Lab, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA.
- Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA.
| | - Seunguk Shin
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Gabrielle Drong
- College of Education, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Olivia McAnirlin
- Virtual Reality and Nature Lab, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
- Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Ryan J Gagnon
- Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Shyam Ranganathan
- School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | | | | | - Gregory N Bratman
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Shuai Yuan
- Virtual Reality and Nature Lab, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
- Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Vishnunarayan Girishan Prabhu
- Virtual Reality and Nature Lab, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
- Systems Engineering and Engineering Management, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Wendy Heller
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
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