Journal of Isfahan Medical School

Journal of Isfahan Medical School

Investigating the Impact of Virtual Reality Technology on Anxiety Levels and Hemodynamic Indices in Cancer Patients during Chemotherapy

Document Type : Original Article (s)

Authors
Maral Karim 1
Nooshin Abbasi Abiane 2
Sepideh Nasrollah 2
1 MSc Student, Department of Nursing, TeMS.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Nursing, TeMS.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
10.48305/jims.v44.i876.1591
Abstract
Background: Considering the chronic nature of cancer, patients often require long-term chemotherapy, which may be associated with increased anxiety and changes in hemodynamic indices. Virtual reality (VR) technology, as a non-pharmacological and non-invasive intervention, has emerged as a promising approach for reducing anxiety and maintaining hemodynamic stability. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of virtual reality technology on anxiety levels and hemodynamic indices in cancer patients during chemotherapy.
Methods: In this pretest–posttest clinical trial, 54 patients were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The intervention group used virtual reality, while those in the control group received routine care. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory, and standard equipment for assessing hemodynamic indices. The data were analyzed using parametric and non-parametric tests.
Findings: Anxiety significantly decreased in both groups in within-group comparisons. This reduction was associated with a larger effect size in the intervention group (P < 0.001, r = −0.875) than in the control group (P < 0.001, r = −0.760). In between-group comparisons, no significant difference was observed between the two groups at the first assessment (P = 0.494); however, during the first 30 minutes of chemotherapy, anxiety was significantly lower in the intervention group (P = 0.004, r = −0.391). None of the hemodynamic indices changed significantly in the control group. In the intervention group, systolic blood pressure (P < 0.001, r = −0.658), diastolic blood pressure (P < 0.001, d = −0.755), mean arterial pressure (P < 0.001, d = 1.045), and pulse rate (P < 0.001, d = 0.998) decreased significantly; however, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and body temperature did not change significantly (P = 0.138, P = 0.187, and P = 0.340, respectively).
Conclusion: Virtual reality was associated with a significant reduction in anxiety and favorable changes in some hemodynamic indices and may be used as a complementary and non-invasive intervention in the care of patients during chemotherapy.

Highlights

Maral Karim: Google Scholar, PubMed

Nooshin Abbasi Abiane: Google Scholar, PubMed

Sepideh Nasrollah: Google Scholar, PubMed 

Keywords
Virtual Reality Technology
Anxiety Levels
Hemodynamic Indices
Cancer
Chemotherapy
Subjects
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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 44, Issue 876
3rd Week, October
September and October 2026
Pages 1591-1603

  • Receive Date 18 August 2026
  • Accept Date 03 September 2026