The Impact of Virtual Reality (VR) on Psychological and Physiological Variables in Children Receiving Chemotherapy: A Pilot Cross-Over Study

Abstract

Background: Virtual reality (VR) is a novel technology which provides a great opportunity to reduce some of the adverse effects of chemotherapy. Objective: Our study aims to investigate the effects of VR on the emotional states of paediatric oncology patients (n = 29, age: 10-18 years) receiving chemotherapy in a clinical setting with a crossover design. Methods: Children played a VR game in the experimental, and a mobile game in the control condition. Psychological (happiness, joy, fear, nervousness, anxiety, alertness, patience) and physiological variables (heart rate, systolic blood pressure, electrodermal activity), as well as pain and nausea were measured before and after the sessions. Data were analysed with multiple 2-way repeated measures ANOVA. Results: Joy (P =.003) and happiness (P