Virtual reality for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: insights from a scoping review

Authors

  • Dalal M. Alabdulmohsen Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Alahsa, KSA https://orcid.org/0009-0003-4721-2481
  • Suha M. Alabdulmohsen Department of Nursing, Almoosa College of Health Sciences, Alahsa, KSA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3933.ijam20250383

Keywords:

Virtual reality, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Health technology, Digital health

Abstract

Recent advances in virtual reality (VR) technology have made it possible to use VR in healthcare settings to improve patient care and rehabilitation, with promising results in various clinical applications. This study aims to review the existing literature exploring the applications and potential benefits of VR for individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A search of six databases, including PubMed, Medline, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Ebsco, and ProQuest, was conducted to identify different studies exploring various VR applications for COPD patients. The search, updated in November 2024, yielded 2835 results, from which 18 diverse studies on this topic were included. The 18 publications included in the qualitative analysis were published in 2019-2024. These studies included 6 systematic reviews and meta-analyses, 4 mixed-methods studies, 3 observational studies, 3 conference papers, and 2 clinical trials. Among these, 11 studies investigated the efficacy of VR-assisted training in enhancing lung function, exercise endurance, and physical activity levels in COPD patients. Additionally, 7 studies explored the impact of VR on depression, anxiety, and stress levels in patients with COPD. Lastly, 8 studies assessed the acceptability, usability, or feasibility of this technology for COPD patients. In conclusion, the studies revealed that VR interventions led to positive outcomes for COPD patients, improving physiotherapeutic parameters, quality of life, and psychological well-being. Patients found VR programs acceptable and easy to use, increasing motivation and adherence to treatment. Further research is needed to assess VR's long-term effectiveness in reducing exacerbation and hospitalization rates for compliant COPD patients.

Metrics

Metrics Loading ...

References

World Health Organization: WHO, World Health Organization: WHO. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 2024. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-(copd) Accessed on 14 November 2024.

Vogelmeier CF, Criner GJ, Martinez FJ, Antonio A, Peter JB, Jean B, et al. Global strategy for the diagnosis, management, and prevention of chronic obstructive lung disease 2017 report. GOLD executive summary. Am J Respirat Crit Care Med. 2017;195(5):557-82. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1164/rccm.201701-0218PP

Meneses-Echavez JF, Guapo NC, Loaiza-Betancur AF, Ana M, Julia B. Pulmonary rehabilitation for acute exacerbations of COPD: A systematic review. Respiratory Med. 2023;219:107425. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rmed.2023.107425

Tonga KO, Oliver BG. Effectiveness of pulmonary rehabilitation for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease therapy: Focusing on traditional medical practices. J Clin Med. 2023;12(14):4815. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12144815

Betancourt-Peña J, Ávila-Valencia JC, Rodríguez-Castro J. Adherence to Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). J Respirat. 2023;3(3):130-40. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/jor3030013

Kouijzer MM, Kip H, Bouman YH, Saskia MK. Implementation of virtual reality in healthcare: a scoping review on the implementation process of virtual reality in various healthcare settings. Implementation Sci Communications. 2023;4(1):67. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s43058-023-00442-2

Joshi MG, Musale R. Awareness, Knowledge and Attitude About Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality in Physiotherapy Practice Among Physiotherapists. Int J Multidiscipl Res. 2024;6(2):1-10. DOI: https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2024.v06i02.17115

Pittara M, Matsangidou M, Pattichis CS. Virtual reality for pulmonary rehabilitation: comprehensive review. JMIR Rehabilitat Assist Technol. 2023;10:e47114. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2196/47114

Peters MD, Godfrey CM, Khalil H, McInerney P, Parker D, Soares CB. Guidance for conducting systematic scoping reviews. JBI Evidence Implementation. 2015;13(3):141-6. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/XEB.0000000000000050

Arksey H, O'Malley L. Scoping studies: towards a methodological framework. Int J Social Res Methodol. 2005;8(1):19-32. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/1364557032000119616

Levac D, Colquhoun H, O'brien KK. Scoping studies: advancing the methodology. Implementat Sci. 2010;5:1-9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1748-5908-5-69

Tricco AC, Lillie E, Zarin W, O'Brien KK, Colquhoun H, Levac D, et al. PRISMA extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR): checklist and explanation. Ann Internal Med. 2018;169(7):467-73. DOI: https://doi.org/10.7326/M18-0850

Condon C, Lam WT, Mosley C, Gough S. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effectiveness of virtual reality as an exercise intervention for individuals with a respiratory condition. Adv Simulation. 2020;5:1-7. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s41077-020-00151-z

Jung T, Moorhouse N, Shi X, Amin MF. A virtual reality–supported intervention for pulmonary rehabilitation of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: mixed methods study. J Med Internet Res. 2020;22(7):e14178. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2196/14178

Patsaki I, Avgeri V, Rigoulia T, Zekis T, Koumantakis GA, Grammatopoulou E. Benefits from incorporating virtual reality in pulmonary rehabilitation of COPD patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Adv Respiratory Med. 2023;91(4):0. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/arm91040026

Curtis S, Jung M, Lafreniere AL, Gore S. Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Interventions on Clinical Outcomes in Patients with COPD. In2024 Combined Sections Meeting (CSM). APTA. 2024.

Obrero-Gaitán E, Chau-Cubero CY, Lomas-Vega R, Osuna-Pérez MC, García-López H, et al. Effectiveness of virtual reality-based therapy in pulmonary rehabilitation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A systematic review with meta-analysis. Heart Lung. 2024;65:1-0. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrtlng.2024.01.011

Chai X, Wu L, He Z. Effects of virtual reality-based pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A meta-analysis. Medicine. 2023;102(52):e36702. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000036702

Rutkowski S, Rutkowska A, Racheniuk H, Szczepańska-Gieracha J, Szczegielniak J. Short-term exercise training in virtual reality in patients with COPD solution or white elephant? In Proceedings of the ERS International Congress. 2019. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.congress-2019.PA570

Liu Y, Du Q, Jiang Y. The effect of virtual reality technology in exercise and lung function of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis. Worldviews Evidence‐Based Nursing. 2024;21(3):307-17. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/wvn.12698

Kizmaz E, Atalay OT, Çetin N, Uğurlu E. Virtual reality for COPD exacerbation: A randomized controlled trial. Respirat Med. 2024;230:107696. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rmed.2024.107696

Colombo V, Mondellini M, Fumagalli A, Aliverti A, Sacco M. A virtual reality-based endurance training program for COPD patients: acceptability and user experience. Disabil Rehabilitat Assistive Technol. 2024;19(4):1590-9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2023.2219699

Finkelstein J, Parvanova I, Huo X. Feasibility of a Virtual Reality App to Promote Pulmonary Rehabilitation. In MIE. 2023;458-62. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3233/SHTI230172

Gabriel AS, Tsai TY, Xhakli T, Finkelstein J. Mixed-methods assessment of a virtual reality-based system for pulmonary rehabilitation. In Telehealth Ecosystems in Practice. 2023;245-9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3233/SHTI230789

Gabriel AS, Tsai TY, Xhakli T, Finkelstein J. Patient Perceptions of a Virtual Reality-Based System for Pulmonary Rehabilitation: A Qualitative Analysis. In ICIMTH. 2023;406-9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3233/SHTI230517

Colombo V, Mondellini M, Gandolfo A, Fumagalli A, Sacco M. Usability and acceptability of a virtual reality-based system for endurance training in elderly with chronic respiratory diseases. In Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality: 16th EuroVR International Conference, EuroVR 2019, Tallinn, Estonia. Proceedings. 2019;87-96. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-31908-3_6

Høeg ER, Bruun-Pedersen JR, Serafin S. Virtual reality-based high-intensity interval training for pulmonary rehabilitation: a feasibility and acceptability study. In2021 IEEE Conference on Virtual Reality and 3D User Interfaces Abstracts and Workshops (VRW). 2021;242-9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/VRW52623.2021.00052

Yin CK, Ling CY, Shan TT, Cherry ZKW. Application of Immersive Virtual Reality in Occupational Therapy-based Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program: A Mixed-method Study. J Adv Med Res. 2024;36(7):320-6. DOI: https://doi.org/10.9734/jammr/2024/v36i75506

Pancini E, Fumagalli A, Maggiolini S, Misuraca C, Negri D, Rizzato E, et al. Promoting Emotional and Psychological Well-being of Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Feasibility Study Combining Virtual Reality and Savoring. Ann Rev Cybertherapy Telemed. 2023;2023:233.

Moorhouse N, Jung T, Shi X, Amin F, Newsham J, McCall S. Pulmonary rehabilitation in virtual reality for COPD patients. Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality: The Power of AR and VR for Business. 2019:277-90. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-06246-0_20

Yohannes AM, Murri MB, Hanania NA, Regan EA, Iyer A, Bhatt SP, et al. Depressive and anxiety symptoms in patients with COPD: a network analysis. Respiratory Med. 2022;198:106865. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rmed.2022.106865

Fereidooni M, Toni E, Toni E, Ayatollahi H. Application of virtual reality for supportive care in cancer patients: a systematic review. Supportive Care in Cancer. 2024;32(9):570. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-024-08763-1

Chen Y, Cao L, Xu Y, Zhu M, Guan B, Ming WK. Effectiveness of virtual reality in cardiac rehabilitation: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Int J Nursing Studies. 2022;133:104323. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2022.104323

Yangöz ŞT, Turan Kavradım S, Özer Z. The effects of virtual reality‐based exercise in adults receiving haemodialysis treatment: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled studies. Applied Psychol Health Well‐Being. 2023;15(3):1182-17. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/aphw.12426

Downloads

Published

2025-02-21

How to Cite

Alabdulmohsen, D. M., & Alabdulmohsen, S. M. (2025). Virtual reality for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: insights from a scoping review. International Journal of Advances in Medicine, 12(2), 242–249. https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3933.ijam20250383

Issue

Section

Review Articles