Overview
This study was designed to evaluate the effects of breathing meditation, accompanied by virtual reality (VR)-enhanced nature videos, on anxiety, comfort, pain, and physiological parameters in patients undergoing angiography. Prior to the procedure, pain levels in patients in both groups will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS); the State Anxiety Inventory and the General Comfort Scale will be administered; and physiological parameters will be recorded. Patients in the intervention group will be fitted with VR headsets 5 minutes before the start of the angiography procedure and will undergo breathing meditation accompanied by nature videos. Patients in the control group, on the other hand, will receive routine standard nursing care and will not undergo the VR intervention. During the procedure, pain levels and physiological parameters will be assessed in patients from both groups. Following the angiography, the VAS, State Anxiety Inventory, and General Comfort Scale will be re-administered in both groups, and physiological parameters will be recorded again. By comparing the data obtained from both groups at the same measurement points, the effect of VR-supported nature video-guided breathing meditation on patients' anxiety, comfort, pain, and physiological parameters will be determined.
Description
Angiography is an invasive diagnostic and interventional procedure that may cause pain, anxiety, and physiological stress responses in patients. These experiences can negatively affect patient comfort and increase psychological distress during the procedure. Non-pharmacological interventions, including breathing meditation and virtual reality (VR)-based applications, may help reduce anxiety and pain while promoting relaxation and comfort. This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effect of breathing meditation combined with VR-enhanced nature videos on anxiety, comfort, pain, and physiological parameters in patients undergoing angiography.
The study will be conducted between October 2026 and December 2026 in the Coronary Angiography Unit of Koşuyolu High Specialization Training and Research Hospital in Istanbul, Türkiye. A total of 126 patients scheduled for angiography and meeting the inclusion criteria will be enrolled in the study. Patients will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n = 63) or the control group (n = 63). Patients in the intervention group will wear virtual reality (VR) goggles and watch nature videos while practicing breathing meditation, beginning 5 minutes before the angiography procedure. Patients in the control group will receive standard nursing care without VR or breathing meditation interventions.
Research data will be collected at the same assessment stages in both groups. Before the procedure, patients' pain levels will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), anxiety levels will be evaluated using the State Anxiety Inventory, and comfort levels will be measured using the General Comfort Questionnaire. Physiological parameters will also be recorded. During the procedure, pain levels and physiological parameters will be assessed. Following angiography, the VAS, State Anxiety Inventory, and General Comfort Questionnaire will be administered again, and physiological parameters will be recorded to evaluate changes following the intervention.
The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding the potential effects of breathing meditation combined with VR-enhanced nature videos on anxiety, comfort, pain, and physiological parameters in patients undergoing angiography. If effective, this non-invasive and potentially easy-to-implement intervention may be considered a complementary nursing approach to support patient comfort and reduce anxiety during angiography procedures.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- • Be between the ages of 18 and 65,
- Be scheduled to undergo elective coronary angiography,
- Be alert and able to communicate,
- Have vision and hearing functions suitable for using the virtual reality application,
- Cognitive functions must be at a level sufficient to respond to assessment scales,
- Be able to read and understand Turkish and complete the research questionnaires,
- Volunteer to participate in the study and sign the written Informed Consent Form.
Exclusion Criteria:
- • Scheduled to undergo emergency coronary angiography,
- History of epilepsy,
- Vertigo or severe balance disorder,
- History of severe claustrophobia,
- Use of anxiolytics or sedatives within the past 24 hours,
- Severe vision or hearing loss that would prevent participation in the virtual reality application,
- Being in a clinical condition that would prevent completion of the application during the study, or wishing to terminate the application during the session due to reasons such as dizziness or nausea.
