Effect Of Virtual Reality On Pulmonary Function And Anxiety Levels In Asthmatic Patients

Effect Of Virtual Reality On Pulmonary Function And Anxiety Levels In Asthmatic Patients

The Purpose of the Study This study will be conducted to determine the effect of virtual reality on pulmonary function and anxiety levels in moderate to severe asthmatic patients.

Globally, asthma is the 16th cause of years-lived with-disability and the 28th most common source of burden of disease; it accounts for 1 in every 250 deaths. In Egypt, over 6.7% and 26.5% of the general adult and pediatric population, respectively, have asthma. At least 1/3 of the patients with persistent asthma experience symptoms of anxiety/depression. There is a lack of data regarding other asthma subgroups, namely adolescents and those with mild or moderate persistent asthma.

Recently, there has been a global concern for the treatment of asthma through physical therapy and complementary alternative medicine (CAM). Buteyko breathing technique is one of CAM techniques that is becoming more prevalent.

Virtual reality is an emerging new technology that has drawn scientists' attention to its potential impact on rehabilitation. It is a safe and effective medium for supporting stress and anxiety management.

In general, the literature has shown that VR This would enable users to learn over time how to change their physiological activity to enhance health and performance, reduce stress-related symptoms, and increase their well-being.

Up to investigated knowledge, No previous studies conducted to explore the effect of VR on pulmonary function and anxiety in adult patients with moderate to sever bronchial asthma.

HYPOTHESES: It will be hypothesized that there will be no significant effect of Virtual Reality on pulmonary function and anxiety levels in patients with moderate to sever bronchial asthma.

RESERCH QUESTION: Does virtual reality affect pulmonary function and anxiety levels in moderate to severe asthmatic patients?

Inclusion Criteria:

• Both sexes would be previously diagnosed as bronchial asthma with a cut-off score FEV1: Between 60% and 80% of predicted value or less than 60% of predicted value and FEV1/FVC ratio: May be significantly reduced from normal value 0.75-0.80.
• The age of the patients will be ranged between 30 and 40 years old.
• Asthma Control Test(ACT) will be less than 16 can be successfully used to identify those who will be uncontrolled asthma.
• All patients will be assessed by Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) ;A cut-off score of 11-15 a moderate depression/anxiety level.
• Patients who are conscious and cooperative.
• Patients who are able to understand and follow instruction.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previous participation in any pulmonary rehabilitation program.
• Cardiovascular instabilities such as: Uncontrolled hypertension, Uncontrolled arrhythmia and Recent ischemic event.
• Mental disorders preventing protocol implementation.
• Other chronic respiratory diseases.
• Pregnant women.
• New or current smoker.
• Respiratory tract infection.