Effect of Virtual Reality on Agitation in Acute Stroke

The Effect of Virtual Reality Application on Agitation in Individuals With Acute Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Single-Blind Study

This randomized controlled, single-blind study evaluates the effect of a Virtual Reality (VR) application on agitation levels and physiological vital signs in patients with acute stroke. Participants are randomly assigned to an intervention group receiving standard clinical care plus structured VR sessions, or a control group receiving standard clinical care alone. Agitation scores and vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation) are measured pre- and post-intervention to evaluate the outcomes of VR therapy.

Stroke is a sudden medical condition that affects the brain. During the acute phase of a stroke, many patients experience agitation, which means feeling restless, anxious, or uncooperative. Agitation can complicate medical care and negatively affect a patient's recovery and vital signs (such as heart rate and blood pressure).

The main purpose of this study is to evaluate whether using a Virtual Reality (VR) application helps reduce agitation levels and stabilize vital signs in individuals who have experienced an acute stroke.

This is a randomized controlled, single-blind clinical trial. Participants with acute stroke will be randomly assigned to one of two groups:

Intervention Group: Participants will receive a structured Virtual Reality (VR) application session in addition to their routine stroke care.

Control Group: Participants will receive standard routine clinical care and monitoring without the VR application.

Researchers will measure and compare the participants' agitation levels using a clinical evaluation scale before and after the intervention. In addition, physiological vital signs (including heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation) will be closely monitored to determine the effects of the VR therapy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• * Individuals who have passed 48 hours post-acute CVA (being in the acute phase of stroke treatment, stroke duration not exceeding the first 4 weeks)

  • Having a score of 0 on the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale
  • Having a score of at least +2 or higher on the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS)
  • Being 18 years of age or older
  • Having a GCS score of 13 or higher
  • Having no hearing or visual impairments
  • Not being in contact isolation due to a contagious disease
  • Being literate in Turkish
  • Not being administered sedation
  • Being awake and hemodynamically stable
  • Being able to sit in high Fowler's position
  • Individuals without mechanical ventilation support

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of nausea and vomiting

  • Mobility restriction and sensitivity to claustrophobia
  • Presence of delirium
  • Presence of schizophrenia and dementia
  • Presence of vertigo and Meniere's disease
  • Having a pain score of 1 point or higher
  • Having facial damage to the extent that a virtual reality headset cannot be worn