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The Effect of Virtual Forest Bathing on Bariatric Surgery Patients
Sponsor: Ataturk University
Summary
This study will be conducted at the General Surgery Clinic of City Hospital in Erzurum between August 2025 and April 2026 using a randomized controlled experimental design. In the power analysis, it was determined that the sample of the study should be 70 patients in total, 35 patients in each group, with a medium effect size of 0.5% according to Cohen (42), a margin of error of 0.05%, a confidence interval of 0.95%, and a 95% universe representation power. Patients will be assigned to either the experimental or control groups using a random number generator using a two-block randomization method (random.org). Given that exposure to nature through virtual reality increases physiological arousal and promotes positive mood, the study aimed to evaluate the effects of virtual forest bathing on pre- and postoperative pain, anxiety, fear, sleep, vital signs, and cortisol levels in patients undergoing bariatric surgery.
Official title: The Effect of Virtual Forest Bathing on Pain, Anxiety, Fear, Sleep Quality, Vital Signs, and Cortisol Levels in Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
Any - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
70
Start Date
2025-08-25
Completion Date
2026-08-25
Last Updated
2025-09-03
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
virtual forest bathing
Virtual reality (VR) is an advanced computer technology and a novel technique used in healthcare to alleviate pain and provide patient comfort. It enables individuals to interact with a 360-degree virtual environment through a headset device. It has been observed that painful or emotionally stressful stimuli from the external world are diminished within the VR environment, with the individual's attention redirected and focused on this immersive setting. In our study, a 20-minute VR video will be used, providing the sensation of walking through a calming 360-degree virtual forest environment accompanied by natural sounds, viewed through VR headsets. Unlike some commercially available VR headsets, the Oculus Quest 2 model will be utilized, as it serves as both the computer and display system, eliminating the need for a smartphone. This device is preferred for its ability to deliver high-quality video without interruptions that might negatively affect the VR experience. After explaining