Clinical Research Directory

Effects of Virtual Reality and Relaxation During Non-Stress Testing

Aim: This randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the effectiveness of virtual reality and progressive muscle relaxation exercise in reducing anxiety during the non-stress test (NST) and to evaluate their effects on maternal physiological parameters in high-risk pregnant women. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial between March 2025 and August 2025 at Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Training and Research Hospital with 126 high-risk pregnant women. Participants were randomly assigned to three groups (42 per group): virtual reality, progressive muscle relaxation exercise, and control group. During NST monitoring, participants in the virtual reality group received VR headset-based immersive audiovisual stimulation, while participants in the progressive muscle relaxation group performed guided relaxation exercises. The control group received routine NST monitoring without any additional intervention. Data were collected using the Informed Consent Form, Pregnant Woman Information Form, Non-Stress Test Follow-up Form, Physiological Parameters Follow-up Form, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI Form TX-I). The STAI, VAS, and physiological parameters were measured before and after NST, while fetal NST parameters were recorded during the procedure.