Realidade virtual como ferramenta complementar à reabilitação de pacientes em pós operatório de cirurgia cardíaca

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases have a major impact on global health scenario and cardiac surgery has been the intervention of choice in many cases. It aims to reverse changes, increase survival and improve the quality of life of patients. Because of susceptibility to complications in postoperative, patients must be admitted to early rehabilitation programs. The Virtual Reality emerges as an adjunctive therapy in the rehabilitation process and can be used as a supplement to physical therapy protocols. The aim of the study was to evaluate the use of virtual reality in the functional rehabilitation of patients in cardiac rehabilitation, phase 1. Patients were randomized into two groups, Virtual Reality (n = 30) and Controls (n = 30). The response to treatment was assessed through the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). The health profile was evaluated by the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) and the pulmonary function by spirometry. Evaluations were performed preoperatively and postoperatively (first and third days after surgery and on the day of discharge). The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) was carried out before hospital discharge, and staying time was recorded. On the first day after surgery, patients in both groups showed decreased functional performance. However, the Virtual Reality Group showed lower reduction (45.7 ± 2.3) when compared to control (35.06 ± 2.09, p<0.05) ind first postoperative day, and no significant diference in performance on discharge day in both groups (Control 78.7 ± 2 and Virtual Reality 82.9 ± 1.4, p> 0.05). In evaluating the NHP field was observed in a significant decrease in pain score at third assessment (p <0.05). These patients also had a higher energy level in the first evaluation (p< 0.05). There were no differences with statistical significance for emotional reactions, physical ability, and social interaction. Lung function showed significant differences in FEV1 and FVC (p <0.05) when comparing preoperative with first and postoperative day, and no significant difference in hospital discharge day. There was no significant difference when compared to the day of hospital discharge. The length of stay was significantly shorter in patients of Virtual Reality Group (9.4 ± 0.5 vs. 12.2 ± 0.9, p <0.02), which also had a higher 6MWD (319.9 ± 19.3 versus 263.5 ± 15.4, p <0.02). Adjunctive treatment with Virtual Reality demonstrated benefits, with better functional performance in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.