Effectiveness of Virtual Reality-based Upper Limb Mobility and Thoracic Expansion on Respiratory Function in the Geriatric Population following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) results in postoperative pulmonary dysfunction and delayed functional recovery in elderly patients. Conventional cardiopulmonary rehabilitation is beneficial but may be limited by exercise adherence. Virtual reality (VR)-assisted rehabilitation may enhance engagement and improve recovery outcomes. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of VR-based mobility and thoracic expansion exercises on respiratory function, mobility, and functional independence in geriatric patients following CABG. Materials and Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted among 30 geriatric post-CABG patients allocated into a VR rehabilitation group or a conventional physiotherapy group ( n = 15 each). The VR group received VR-assisted mobility and thoracic expansion exercises in addition to conventional physiotherapy for 4 weeks. Pulmonary function outcomes included forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), minute ventilation (MV), and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV 1 )/FVC ratio. Functional mobility and independence were assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and Functional Independence Measure (FIM). Results: The VR rehabilitation group demonstrated significantly greater improvement in FVC ( P = 0.031), PEFR ( P = 0.012), MV ( P = 0.028), TUG performance ( P < 0.001), and FIM scores ( P < 0.001) compared to the conventional physiotherapy group. No statistically significant between-group difference was observed for the FEV 1 /FVC ratio ( P = 0.364). Conclusion: VR-assisted rehabilitation may improve respiratory recovery, mobility, and functional independence in geriatric patients following CABG and may serve as an adjunct to conventional cardiopulmonary rehabilitation.