Clinical Research Directory

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

This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of a virtual reality (VR)-assisted early mobilization exercise program in patients undergoing open-heart surgery. The study was conducted at a single center and included 160 patients randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 80) or a control group (n = 80). Patients in the intervention group received a VR-assisted exercise program incorporating breathing exercises, lower-limb movements, and mobilization guidance in addition to standard postoperative care. Patients in the control group received standard postoperative care and early mobilization without VR assistance. The primary outcome was mobility, assessed using the Patient Mobility Scale during the early postoperative period. Additional assessments included postoperative pain, walking fear, kinesiophobia, perceived difficulty and dependence during mobilization, and step count.