Exercises for Early Mobilization of Patients Undergoing Open Heart Surgery With Virtual Reality Application

This study investigates the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) applications in supporting early mobilization exercises for patients undergoing open-heart surgery. The intervention leverages VR technology as a non-invasive, accessible, and engaging tool to enhance recovery outcomes in the critical early postoperative period. While VR has been widely used in rehabilitation for various patient populations, its application in cardiac surgery for early mobilization remains limited and underexplored. Using a randomized controlled trial design, this research evaluates the impact of VR-based exercises compared to standard care on patients' physical activity, motivation, and recovery. The intervention focuses on promoting physical mobility through interactive VR modules designed to facilitate rehabilitation exercises in a hospital setting. Additionally, the study examines the psychological and social benefits of VR, including its potential to reduce anxiety and improve emotional well-being during the recovery process. This research aims to address a gap in the literature by focusing on the early postoperative phase, where effective mobilization is critical to preventing complications and promoting faster recovery. The study is aligned with the Republic of Turkey's 12th Development Plan, emphasizing the integration of digital health technologies into routine healthcare services to improve patient outcomes and quality of care. The findings from this study are expected to provide valuable evidence supporting the adoption of VR in postoperative care for open-heart surgery patients. By demonstrating its effectiveness as a cost-efficient and scalable intervention, this research seeks to contribute to the development of innovative and patient-centered approaches in nursing care and digital health practices.

Inclusion criteria

• Those who voluntarily agreed to participate in the study and written consent was obtained,
• 18 years and over,
• Literate,
• Understand and speak Turkish language,
• No sensory problem (auditory, visual)
• Person, place and time oriented,
• No cognitive problems in expressing themselves,
• Does not have any physical limitation (disability),
• Patients undergoing planned open heart surgery for the first time

Exclusion criteria

• Patients with neurological problems (stroke, etc.),
• Patients who develop complications related to surgery in the clinic (delirium, arterial fibrillation, sternal angulation, etc.),
• History of cerebrovascular events,
• Patients with a Glasgow scale <15,
• Patients with complaints of vertigo, dizziness, etc.
• Patients with impaired hemodynamics when wearing glasses
• Deterioration of the general condition of the patient
• Patient abandonment of the study
• Death of the patient
• Patients who develop nausea and vomiting while wearing virtual reality glasses