Virtual Reality-Based Breathing Yoga Before Chest Tube Removal After Cardiac Surgery

Chest tube removal after cardiac surgery may cause pain and anxiety. Non‐pharmacologicalapproaches such as virtual reality and breathing‐based relaxation techniques may helpimprove patient comfort during invasive procedures.This prospective, parallel, two‐arm, single‐center randomized controlled trial evaluatedthe effect of virtual reality‐based breathing yoga before chest tube removal in patientswho had undergone cardiac surgery. Eligible participants were randomly allocated in a 1:1ratio to the intervention or control group.Participants in the intervention group received a 15‐20‐minute virtual reality‐basedbreathing yoga intervention before chest tube removal in addition to standard care.Participants in the control group received standard care without the virtual realityintervention. Pain and state anxiety were assessed before and after chest tube removalusing the Visual Analog Scale and the Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory, respectively.