The Effects of Intraoperative Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Virtual Reality Application on Anxiety, Vital Signs, and Satisfaction: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

PurposeThis study aimed to determine the effects of intraoperative progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) and the application of virtual reality (VR) on anxiety, vital signs, and satisfaction levels during a knee arthroscopy operation. DesignThe study was a three-group randomized controlled trial. MethodsThis study was conducted with 93 patients who consented to participate in the study. FindingsThe State-Trait Anxiety Inventory—S anxiety scale (STAI-S) scores were increased in all the three groups after the surgery. When the preoperative and postoperative STAI-S scores in the group were examined; intragroup STAI-S scores in the PMR and VR groups were statistically significant (P < .05). There was a significant difference between the control group and the PMR and VR groups in mean satisfaction scores (P < .05). The differences between blood pressure and pulse rate were statistically significant in the PMR and VR groups (P < .05). ConclusionsIntraoperative PMR and VR can be used as nursing interventions to increase satisfaction and positively affect vital signs in patients who undergo surgery with spinal anesthesia.