After upper abdomen surgery, respiratory muscle dysfunction is well recognised. After laparotomy and even laparoscopy, maximum static inspiratory and expiratory pressures are lowered, and recovery can take several days. A variety of reasons have been implicated in such respiratory muscle dysfunction, including irritation and inflammation, as well as injuries near the diaphragm, resulting in local mechanical failure, reflex inhibition, and pain.

Virtual reality (VR) encourages an environment that attempts to create a moment of entertainment, motivation, and enjoyment with a variety of stimuli, with movements that stimulate physical and cognitive development, as well as the patient's active participation in the rehabilitation process. It is possible to assist in the alleviation of pain using the platform, at a low cost, through the playfulness given during rehabilitation, with an effective consumption of oxygen, range of motion, and use of the respiratory muscles more efficiently.

Participants with upper abdominal surgery will be randomly distributed into Group A (VR Group) which will receive VR for plus conventional physical therapy program and Group B (Control Group) which will receive conventional physical therapy program.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients undergone open upper abdominal surgery (hernia repair, cholecystectomy, large bowel removal, conventional laparotomy)
2. no prior surgical intervention for esophageal, gastric, or biliary tract resection
3. age 18-60 years
4. acceptable physical condition (permitting pulmonary function and functional capacity test).

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Cerebrovascular disease
2. use of immunosuppressants within 30 days of surgery
3. cardiovascular instability
4. chest physical therapy within the 8 weeks preceding study enrollment
5. visual impairment or hearing impairment;
6. bed-ridden patients;
7. any lung disorders
8. insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
9. less than 6-months post thoracic or cardiac surgery
10. musculoskeletal impairment
11. cognitive disorders
12. Patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery as this induces smaller changes in the postoperative breathing mechanics than laparotomy does
13. heavy smokers or alcoholism

Study results

6 months after publication

Study protocol