Virtual reality plus savoring improved well-being during respiratory rehabilitation
Questionnaire scores favored the combined intervention over relaxing music, while blood oxygen saturation showed no significant group difference.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
In this pilot trial, virtual reality combined with savoring improved emotional and psychological well-being more than relaxing music during pulmonary rehabilitation. Blood oxygen saturation showed no statistically significant difference between groups. The abstract supports further study of the combined approach, while leaving its separate components and longer-term comparative benefits uncertain.
The music group received no savoring exercises, so the design cannot separate the contributions of virtual reality and savoring or establish whether combining them was necessary.
What researchers found
Emotional and psychological well-being
Self-reported scores improved more with virtual reality plus savoring than with relaxing music from baseline through the 2-week intervention.
What participants experienced
Participants completed 4 sessions pairing a relaxing virtual setting with an exercise focused on positive experiences. Both groups also received pulmonary rehabilitation, making the intervention an addition to that care.
Interpreting the follow-up
Psychological improvements remained significant within the virtual-reality group at follow-up. These tests do not establish a lasting advantage over music; the reported direct group comparison concerned immediate postintervention outcomes.
The original publication
Integrating Immersive Virtual Reality With Savoring to Promote the Well-Being of Patients With Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.
Pancini E, Fumagalli A, Maggiolini S et al.
J Med Internet Res · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 40986782
- Record checked
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