Virtual Reality Relaxation Exercises to Improve Well-Being, Quality of Life, and Satisfaction Among Inpatient Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

This pilot study investigates whether meditative exercises in virtual reality (VR) have a positive effect on emotional well-being, sleep quality, perceived stress, and overall quality of life. During their hospital stay, patients will participate in two daily sessions (one in the morning and one in the evening) using VR headsets in combination with breathing and relaxation exercises. The morning session lasts about 7–8 minutes, and the evening session about 10 minutes, but can be extended at the patients’ request. Vital signs (heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure) are measured before and after the exercises. All patients receive a questionnaire upon admission, on the 7th day, and upon discharge.

The aim of this study is not only to determine whether relaxation exercises using virtual reality (VR) can positively influence the well-being of cancer patients, but above all to assess whether such a program can be effectively implemented in everyday hospital practice. In particular, the study will examine how well patients respond to the exercises and whether they can be easily integrated into the hospital routine. Since this is a so-called pilot study, the focus is not on providing definitive proof of efficacy. Rather, the study aims to determine whether the concept works and is suitable for a larger follow-up study. If the procedures prove to be practical and beneficial, a more comprehensive study could follow in the future, which would then specifically examine whether VR relaxation exercises contribute to improving quality of life in the long term. For this study, patients will be randomly assigned to two groups: One group will receive the VR-based exercises alongside chemotherapy, while the other will serve as a control group without any additional intervention.

Adults between the ages of 18 and 75 with lung cancer or acute leukemia (AML or ALL) are eligible to participate, provided they are receiving inpatient chemotherapy. Excluded are, among others, patients with pre-existing neurological conditions (e.g., epilepsy, psychosis, dementia), severe alcohol or drug dependence, a pacemaker, or insufficient knowledge of German or English.

Facts

1. What condition: Lung cancer or acute leukemia (AML or ALL)
2. Cancer characteristics: Planned inpatient chemotherapy
3. What the study investigates: The effect of VR-assisted relaxation exercises on improving quality of life during hospitalization; Feasibility and willingness to participate in VR exercises
4. Study objective: To investigate the feasibility and impact of VR exercises on patients’ well-being and satisfaction during inpatient chemotherapy
5. How long does the study last: Daily VR sessions during the hospital stay (morning and evening, Monday through Friday)
6. Study characteristics: 2 study groups, randomized, evaluation via questionnaires (3 questionnaires—upon admission, on the 7th day of treatment, and upon discharge)