Virtual Reality-Based Breathing Yoga Before Chest Tube Removal After Cardiac Surgery

Chest tube removal after cardiac surgery may cause pain and anxiety. Non-pharmacological approaches such as virtual reality and breathing-based relaxation techniques may help improve patient comfort during invasive procedures.

This prospective, parallel, two-arm, single-center randomized controlled trial evaluated the effect of virtual reality-based breathing yoga before chest tube removal in patients who had undergone cardiac surgery. Eligible participants were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to the intervention or control group.

Participants in the intervention group received a 15-20-minute virtual reality-based breathing yoga intervention before chest tube removal in addition to standard care. Participants in the control group received standard care without the virtual reality intervention. Pain and state anxiety were assessed before and after chest tube removal using the Visual Analog Scale and the Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory, respectively.

Inclusion criteria

• Aged 18-70 years
• Underwent coronary artery bypass grafting or valve surgery
• Willing to participate in the study
• Mobilized and extubated on the second postoperative day
• Able to communicate without cognitive, sensory, or verbal impairment
• No diagnosed psychiatric disorder
• No vertigo
• No diagnosis of hypertension and not receiving antihypertensive treatment
• Not receiving sedative or anxiolytic medication
• No major intraoperative or postoperative complications, such as severe bleeding, nausea, or vomiting

Exclusion criteria

• Remained intubated on the second postoperative day