The effect of virtual rainforest and a white noise mobile application on satisfaction, tolerance, comfort, and vital signs during arthroscopy

Abstract

Background and purpose: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of Virtual Rainforest (VRF) and a White Noise (WN) mobile applications on patient satisfaction, tolerance, comfort, and vital signs during arthroscopic knee surgery.

Methods: This is a randomized, controlled, interventional study. The study was completed with a total of 93 participants, 31 in the VRF group, 31 in the WN group, and 31 in the control group. Data were collected using a Patient Information Form and a Visual Analog Scale for satisfaction, tolerance, and comfort.

Results: The results of study showed that there were significant increases in tolerance, satisfaction, comfort, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation levels and significant decreases in heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressures in both VRF and WN groups (p < .05). In the control group, no significant difference was found between the means of the variables before and after the procedure (p > .05).

Conclusion: According to the results of the study, VRF and WN applied during the arthroscopy procedure increased satisfaction, tolerance, and comfort in patients and had a positive effect on vital signs.

Trial and protocol registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05992714.

Keywords: Rainforest; Virtual reality; White noise therapy.