USING VIRTUAL REALITY TO MANAGE STRESS IN CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS
Erdős Sándor
KÁROLY RÁCZ CONSERVATIVE MEDICINE PROGRAM
Dr. Fekete Andrea
SE II.sz. Gyermekgyógyászati Klinika, Tanterem
2025-09-29 11:30:00
Gyermekkori betegségek klinikuma, élettana és prevenciója
Dr. Szabó Attila
Dr. Horváth Klára
Dr. Haluska-Vass Edit
Dr. Szond Máté
Dr. Győrffy Zsuzsa
Dr. Bartha Áron
Dr. Lábadi Beatrix
Stress is a significant contributor to poor physical and mental health, with acute and chronic stress linked to conditions such as cardiovascular disease, depression, and anxiety. Addressing stress effectively is crucial for improving health outcomes, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children and young adults. VR, a technology offering immersive and interactive experiences, has shown promise in reducing stress in medical contexts.
This thesis explores the role of VR in stress management through three key projects. In paediatric oncology, children undergoing chemotherapy often face heightened levels of anxiety and discomfort. Project I investigated VR-assisted mindfulness exercises in young adults compared to traditional tablet-based exercises. Both methods effectively reduced state anxiety, but the VR intervention provided modified time perception, likely due to its immersive features. MRI is often stressful for children, necessitating general anaesthesia in many cases. In Project II, a crossover study evaluated the effects of VR experiences on stress markers. Compared to standard mobile games, the VR experience led to a significantly enhanced mood. Compared to another VR game, both conditions resulted in significant anxiety reduction, and the anxiety reduction did not change over time. These results support the feasibility of this technology in hospital settings. Mindfulness practices are well-established interventions for stress reduction, but their accessibility can be limited. In Project III, a three-arm randomised controlled trial examined the impact of VR preparation on reducing pre-procedure anxiety compared to educational booklets and standard care. Initial findings indicate that VR significantly decreases anxiety levels and increases familiarity. However, it does not affect the need for GA.
The findings suggest that VR can be a powerful tool for mitigating stress in medical environments. Its applications extend from enhancing mindfulness practices to improving patient preparedness for stressful procedures. We observed a few mild side effects when using VR, and overall, it was well-tolerated and safe to use during projects. Future directions include optimising VR content and conducting large-scale studies to further validate its efficacy in clinical settings. VR has the potential to transform stress management, offering scalable, cost-effective, and engaging solutions for diverse populations.
