Use of Virtual Reality in Children Undergoing Surgery

Aim: Early mobilization and exercise after surgery are very important to reduce the impact on lung function. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of early mobilization with virtual reality and conservative physiotherapy methods on pulmonary function, dyspnea, exercise capacity, pain, and kinesiophobia in children undergoing surgery. Methods: The study included 27 children aged 5-18 years who underwent surgery. Among the children randomly divided into two groups, the control group (n = 14) received physiotherapy for 40 min twice a day for 3 days in the hospital after surgery, and the children were mobilized in and out of bed. In the virtual reality group (n = 13), in addition to physiotherapy practices, children were allowed to play virtual reality games for 20 min twice a day. Respiratory function, exercise capacity, and pain assessment were performed before surgery and before discharge.