Exploring the psychological and physiological effects of a virtual reality-based bicycle exercise in hemodialysis patients: a randomized controlled trial

Clinical Snapshot

Key Findings

• P Value: P < 0.05 for both SDS and SAS scores

• Effect Size: Not reported - only statistical significance provided

• Primary Outcome: Significant reductions in depression (SDS) and anxiety (SAS) scores in VR exercise group

• Nnt Or Sensitivity: Not calculable from available data

• Confidence Interval: Not reported

Clinical Application

Moderate - requires VR equipment and staff training, but intervention during existing dialysis sessions is practical Applicable to Australian dialysis units; would need evaluation under Medicare funding models and integration with existing renal rehabilitation programs Maintenance hemodialysis patients in hospital-based dialysis units with adequate technological infrastructure

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a virtual reality (VR)-based bicycle exercise in psychological distress (depression and anxiety) and selected biochemical parameters among patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). A total of 70 patients from the dialysis station at Changzhou Medical District of the No. 904th Hospital were randomly allocated into study group(VR-based bicycle exercise, n = 35) and control group(routine nursing care, n = 35). The depression and anxiety levels were assessed by Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), and Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) respectively. Physiological indicators, including serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, were also analyzed. Following the intervention, the study group exhibited significant reductions in SDS and SAS scores (both P < 0.05). The levels of Scr and BUN in peripheral blood were also observed to be significantly decreased in study group (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between SAS/SDS scores with both Scr and BUN levels (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Furthermore, regression models identified SAS scores as significant predictors of Scr and BUN levels, accounting for 27.8% and 31.9% of their variance, respectively (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). VR-based bicycle exercise can improve psychological well-being, and was associated with beneficial changes in pre-dialysis serum biomarkers (Scr and BUN) in MHD patients. This integrated intervention represents a promising non-pharmacological strategy to complement standard care in MHD patients.

References

1. 1.Hu, J., Gong, Z., Huang, J., He, J., Zhu, X., Yan, L., & Wang, H. (2026). Exploring the psychological and physiological effects of a virtual reality-based bicycle exercise in hemodialysis patients: a randomized controlled trial. Scientific Reports. https://doi.org/10.2215/CJN.18441120