Virtual reality on pulmonary function and functional independence after coronary artery bypass grafting: clinical trial

Introduction: Coronary artery bypass grafing (CABG) is responsible for the decrease in pulmonary function and functionality. In this case the virtual reality is an alternative to reduce the impact of the surgical procedure.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of virtual reality on pulmonary function and functional independence in patients undergoing CABG.

Methodology: This is a clinical trial. In the preoperative period, pulmonary function was assessed using maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximum expiratory pressure (MEP), vital capacity (VC), peak expiratory flow (PEF) and functionality through the measurement of functional independence (FIM) and time up and go (TUG). On the first postoperative day, patients were randomized into two groups: the control group (CG), submitted to conventional physiotherapy, and the virtual rehabilitation group (VRG), increased through virtual reality. On the day of hospital discharge, patients were reassessed.

Results: 56 patients were analyzed, 25 in the CG, with a mean age of 51 ± 10 years, male prevalence 17 (68%), 31 in the VRG aged 54 ± 8 years, 21 (68%) men. All variables showed an intragroup reduction. At the end, the MIP of the CG was 74 ± 15 vs 92 ± 12 cmH₂O of the VRG (P < 0.001), the MEP of the GC was 54 ± 14 vs 75 ± 16 cmH₂O of the VRG (P < 0.001), the VC was 1.9 ± 0.6 ml/Kg in GC vs 2.4 ± 0.7 ml/Kg in VRG (P = 0.22), PEF in GC was 231 ± 28 vs 311 ± 26 L/min in VRG (P < 0.001), TUG of CG 22 ± 9.1 seconds vs 10 ± 1.6 seconds in the VRG (P < 0.001), the CG's FIM was 112 ± 5 vs 120 ± 3 in the GRV (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: Based on the results obtained, it was found that the intervention with virtual reality was effective in reducing the loss of pulmonary function and functional independence after CABG.