Late Breaking Abstract - Effects of Virtual Reality (VR) Application on Early Stage Vital Signs and Respiratory Parameters in Intensive Care Unit Patients

EFFECTS OF VIRTUAL REALITY (VR) APPLICATION ON EARLY STAGE VITAL SIGNS AND RESPIRATORY PARAMETERS IN INTENSIVE CARE UNIT(ICU) PATIENTS The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of VR application on vital signs, respiratory muscle strength, and respiratory functions in ICU patients. In our single-blind randomized controlled study, 34 patients receiving treatment in the ICU were divided into two groups: the VR and conventional rehabilitation group (n=17) and the control group (n=17). The mean age of the participants was 71.70±11.92. SOFA Score was 3.20±2.56, RASS Score was -0.32±0.80, Glasgow Coma Scale was 12.44±2.48, APACHE II Score was 11.94±4.55, CPAX Score was 28.23±11.83, and PFIT Score was 5.55±3.05. In this study, the effects of the intervention on heart rate, dyspnea, fatigue, grip strength, blood gases, and respiratory muscle strength were examined. Assessments were conducted before the intervention, immediately after the intervention, 30 minutes after the intervention, 3 hours after the intervention, 24 hours after the intervention, and 3 days after the intervention. Following the intervention, significant changes over time were observed in heart rate, grip strength (for both right and left sides), PO2, MIP, and MEP values in both groups, and these changes were statistically significant in favor of the VR group (p<0.05). However, there were no significant changes in PCO2 and pH values in both groups (p>0.05). This study shows that VR application in ICU patients improves heart rate, grip strength, and respiratory muscle strength, enhancing patient participation and motivation in rehabilitation compared to traditional methods.