Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Virtual Reality for COPD Patients

The purpose of this study is to assess the benefits of Virtual Reality (VR) as a form of self-managed Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) for patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Qualitative data were collected including one focus group and four one-one interviews at a Health Centre in South Cumbria, and one focus group and two one-one interviews at a General Hospital in West Cumbria. A total of ten patients participated. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. This study is one of the first to investigate VR for PR. The findings contribute to the body of knowledge of VR for rehabilitation, and for PR more specifically. The findings indicate that elderly COPD patients using VR for PR are more compliant to conducting their exercises because VR motivates them and increases their confidence in physical activity and self-management of their condition. Patients demonstrated significant improvements in strength and mobility, and report psychological benefits including satisfaction in achieving their goals and completing milestones within the PR in VR programme. Combining these factors together contributes to an overall improved quality of life for COPD patients. Recommendations for future developments of VR for PR are discussed. Furthermore, this study provides important practical implications for health professionals.