Thoracic SurgeryVRTSNCT07700550
VIRTUAL REALITY TRAINING AFTER THORACIC SURGERY
A study testing Virtual Reality Exercise Training, Conventional Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Cycle Ergometer Training and thoracic surgery in people with Thoracic Surgery and Postoperative Recovery, run by Pamukkale University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This study aims to investigate the effects of virtual reality-based exercise training after thoracic surgery. Participants undergoing lung resection surgery will be assigned to either a virtual reality exercise training group or a control group receiving standard care. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 25 to 70 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Thoracic Surgery, Postoperative Recovery, Pulmonary Rehabilitation
- What is being tested?
- Virtual Reality Exercise Training, Conventional Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Cycle Ergometer Training and thoracic surgery
- Type of treatment
- Surgery or procedure, Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 30 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 24 Oct 2024to 27 Feb 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 25 to 70 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Age between 25 and 70 years Stable symptoms and no other disease affecting pulmonary function (e.g., scoliosis or ankylosing spondylitis) Good cooperation and ability to walk independently Patients who underwent thoracic surgery FEV1 > 2 L for pneumonectomy, > 1 L for lobectomy, and > 0.6 L for segmentectomy Maximum oxygen consumption (VO₂max) > 15-20 mL/kg/min Cycle ergometer performance > 83 W No severe visual impairment Approved for participation in exercise training by the operating physician Hodkinson Mental Test score > 6 Willingness to participate and provision of informed consent -
Who cannot join
- Contraindications to pulmonary rehabilitation or physiotherapy, including unstable cardiovascular disease, severe pulmonary hypertension, severe uncorrectable hypoxemia, exercise-induced desaturation, rib fractures, subcutaneous emphysema, advanced osteoporosis, or thrombocytopenia Orthopedic or neurological disorders that may impair independent ambulation, exertional dyspnea, or exertional vertigo Requirement for repeat thoracic surgery due to previous thoracic surgical history Inability to establish verbal and/or auditory communication and cooperation Inability to cooperate due to psychological and/or perceptual impairments Withdrawal Criteria Development of unexpected chest pain during the study Occurrence of syncope or nausea during testing procedures Participants may withdraw from the study at any time without providing a reason Study Completion / Termination Criterion Achievement of the planned sample size
- -
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Effects of Exercise Training With Virtual Reality After Thoracic Surgery
This study aims to investigate the effects of virtual reality-based exercise training after thoracic surgery. Participants undergoing lung resection surgery will be assigned to either a virtual reality exercise training group or a control group receiving standard care. Physical function, pulmonary function, exercise capacity, dyspnea, anxiety, depression, and quality of life will be evaluated before and after the intervention. The findings may help determine whether virtual reality-assisted exercise training improves postoperative recovery in patients undergoing thoracic surgery.
- Conditions
- Thoracic Surgery, Postoperative Recovery, Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Exercise Training, Virtual Reality
- Being tested
- Virtual Reality Exercise Training, Conventional Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Cycle Ergometer Training, thoracic surgery
- Keywords
- Virtual Reality, Exercise Training, Thoracic Surgery, Postoperative Recovery, Pulmonary Rehabilitation
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Virtual Reality Exercise TrainingBehavioural
Participants received virtual reality-based exercise training in addition to conventional pulmonary rehabilitation and cycle ergometer training after thoracic surgery.
Conventional Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Cycle Ergometer TrainingOther
Participants received conventional pulmonary rehabilitation and cycle ergometer training after thoracic surgery.
thoracic surgeryProcedure or surgery
Participants underwent thoracic surgery (lobectomy, segmentectomy, pneumonectomy, or wedge resection) according to the clinical indication before receiving the assigned rehabilitation intervention.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional Pulmonary Rehabilitation Group | Active comparator | Participants received conventional pulmonary rehabilitation and cycle ergometer training after thoracic surgery. Receives: Other: Conventional Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Cycle Ergometer Training; Procedure: thoracic surgery |
| Virtual Reality Exercise Training Group | Experimental | Participants received conventional pulmonary rehabilitation, cycle ergometer training, and virtual reality-based exercise training after thoracic surgery. Receives: Behavioral: Virtual Reality Exercise Training; Other: Conventional Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Cycle Ergometer Training; Procedure: thoracic surgery |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
FEV1
Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) measured by spirometry.
Measured: From baseline to 2 weeks after hospital discharge
FVC
Forced vital capacity (FVC) measured by spirometry.
Measured: From baseline to 2 weeks after hospital discharge.
FEF25-75
Forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of forced vital capacity measured by spirometry.
Measured: From baseline to 2 weeks after hospital discharge.
Secondary outcomes (7)
Pain Intensity
Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS).Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates the worst imaginable pain. Higher scores indicate greater pain intensity.
Measured: Baseline, postoperative day 2, and hospital discharge (up to 7 days after surgery).
Exercise Capacity
Exercise capacity was assessed using the 1-minute sit-to-stand test.Exercise capacity was assessed using the 1-minute sit-to-stand test (1-min STS). The outcome was recorded as the number of completed sit-to-stand repetitions in one minute. Higher values indicate better exercise capacity.
Measured: Baseline, postoperative day 2, and hospital discharge (up to 7 days after surgery)
Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and depression were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression. Anxiety was assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale - Anxiety subscale (HADS-A). Scores range from 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating greater anxiety symptoms. Depression was assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale - Depression subscale (HADS-D). Scores range from 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating greater depression symptoms.
Measured: Baseline, postoperative day 2, and hospital discharge (up to 7 days after surgery).
Dyspnea
Dyspnea was assessed using the Modified Borg Dyspnea Scale. Dyspnea was assessed using the Modified Borg Dyspnea Scale. Scores range from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no dyspnea and 10 indicates maximal dyspnea. Higher scores indicate greater dyspnea severity.
Measured: Baseline, postoperative day 2, and hospital discharge (up to 7 days after surgery)
Oxygen Saturation
Peripheral oxygen saturation was measured before, immediately after, and 3 minutes after the 1-minute sit-to-stand test.Peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO₂) was measured using a pulse oximeter before, immediately after, and 3 minutes after the 1-minute sit-to-stand test. Oxygen saturation was recorded as a percentage (%), with higher values indicating better oxygenation.
Measured: Baseline, postoperative day 2, and hospital discharge (up to 7 days after surgery).
Length of Hospital Stay
Length of hospital stay was recorded as the total number of days from surgery until hospital discharge. Shorter hospital stay indicates a better outcome.
Measured: From the day of surgery until hospital discharge (typically within 7 days after surgery).
Patient satisfaction
Patient satisfaction was assessed using a short patient satisfaction questionnaire.Patient satisfaction was assessed using the Short Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (SPSQ/HMKDF), which consists of 7 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale. Total scores range from 7 to 35, with higher scores indicating greater patient satisfaction.
Measured: Hospital discharge (up to 7 days after surgery)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted14 Jul 2026
- Study start24 Oct 2024
- Primary completion27 Feb 2026
- Study completion27 Feb 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Thoracic SurgeryStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Pamukkale UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Pamukkale University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Orcin Telli Atalay, Pamukkale University
- Investigators
- Orçin T ATALAY, PhD, Principal investigator, Pamukkale University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07700550
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- E-76351742-050.04-572695
- Acronym
- VRTS
- Status last verified
- Jul 2026
- First submitted
- 26 Jun 2026
- Last updated
- 14 Jul 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Individual participant data will not be shared because the study was conducted as part of an academic thesis project and the informed consent process did not include provisions for public sharing of de-identified participant-level data.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 14 Jul 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Exercise Training With Virtual Reality After Thoracic Surgery
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07700550
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- VRTS / E-76351742-050.04-572695
- Conditions
- Thoracic Surgery, Postoperative Recovery, Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Exercise Training, Virtual Reality
- Keywords
- Virtual Reality, Exercise Training, Thoracic Surgery, Postoperative Recovery, Pulmonary Rehabilitation
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Pamukkale UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 24 Oct 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 27 Feb 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 27 Feb 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 14 Jul 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study aims to investigate the effects of virtual reality-based exercise training after thoracic surgery. Participants undergoing lung resection surgery will be assigned to either a virtual reality exercise training group or a control group receiving standard care. Physical function, pulmonary function, exercise capacity, dyspnea, anxiety, depression, and quality of life will be evaluated before and after the intervention. The findings may help determine whether virtual reality-assisted exercise training improves postoperative recovery in patients undergoing thoracic surgery.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional Pulmonary Rehabilitation Group | Active comparator | Other: Conventional Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Cycle Ergometer Training, Procedure: thoracic surgeryParticipants received conventional pulmonary rehabilitation and cycle ergometer training after thoracic surgery. |
| Virtual Reality Exercise Training Group | Experimental | Behavioral: Virtual Reality Exercise Training, Other: Conventional Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Cycle Ergometer Training, Procedure: thoracic surgeryParticipants received conventional pulmonary rehabilitation, cycle ergometer training, and virtual reality-based exercise training after thoracic surgery. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 25 to 70 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Age between 25 and 70 years Stable symptoms and no other disease affecting pulmonary function (e.g., scoliosis or ankylosing spondylitis) Good cooperation and ability to walk independently Patients who underwent thoracic surgery FEV1 > 2 L for pneumonectomy, > 1 L for lobectomy, and > 0.6 L for segmentectomy Maximum oxygen consumption (VO₂max) > 15-20 mL/kg/min Cycle ergometer performance > 83 W No severe visual impairment Approved for participation in exercise training by the operating physician Hodkinson Mental Test score > 6 Willingness to participate and provision of informed consent -
Key exclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Contraindications to pulmonary rehabilitation or physiotherapy, including unstable cardiovascular disease, severe pulmonary hypertension, severe uncorrectable hypoxemia, exercise-induced desaturation, rib fractures, subcutaneous emphysema, advanced osteoporosis, or thrombocytopenia Orthopedic or neurological disorders that may impair independent ambulation, exertional dyspnea, or exertional vertigo Requirement for repeat thoracic surgery due to previous thoracic surgical history Inability to establish verbal and/or auditory communication and cooperation Inability to cooperate due to psychological and/or perceptual impairments Withdrawal Criteria Development of unexpected chest pain during the study Occurrence of syncope or nausea during testing procedures Participants may withdraw from the study at any time without providing a reason Study Completion / Termination Criterion Achievement of the planned sample size
- -
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Reality Exercise TrainingParticipants received virtual reality-based exercise training in addition to conventional pulmonary rehabilitation and cycle ergometer training after thoracic surgery. | Behavioural | Virtual Reality Exercise Training Group |
| Conventional Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Cycle Ergometer TrainingParticipants received conventional pulmonary rehabilitation and cycle ergometer training after thoracic surgery. | Other | Conventional Pulmonary Rehabilitation Group, Virtual Reality Exercise Training Group |
| thoracic surgeryParticipants underwent thoracic surgery (lobectomy, segmentectomy, pneumonectomy, or wedge resection) according to the clinical indication before receiving the assigned rehabilitation intervention. | Procedure or surgery | Conventional Pulmonary Rehabilitation Group, Virtual Reality Exercise Training Group |
Primary outcome
FEV1
Time frame: From baseline to 2 weeks after hospital discharge
Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) measured by spirometry.
FVC
Time frame: From baseline to 2 weeks after hospital discharge.
Forced vital capacity (FVC) measured by spirometry.
FEF25-75
Time frame: From baseline to 2 weeks after hospital discharge.
Forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of forced vital capacity measured by spirometry.
7 secondary outcomes
Pain Intensity
Time frame: Baseline, postoperative day 2, and hospital discharge (up to 7 days after surgery).
Exercise Capacity
Time frame: Baseline, postoperative day 2, and hospital discharge (up to 7 days after surgery)
Anxiety and Depression
Time frame: Baseline, postoperative day 2, and hospital discharge (up to 7 days after surgery).
Dyspnea
Time frame: Baseline, postoperative day 2, and hospital discharge (up to 7 days after surgery)
Oxygen Saturation
Time frame: Baseline, postoperative day 2, and hospital discharge (up to 7 days after surgery).
Length of Hospital Stay
Time frame: From the day of surgery until hospital discharge (typically within 7 days after surgery).
Patient satisfaction
Time frame: Hospital discharge (up to 7 days after surgery)
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 14 Jul 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Individual participant data will not be shared because the study was conducted as part of an academic thesis project and the informed consent process did not include provisions for public sharing of de-identified participant-level data.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Orçin T ATALAY, PhD principal investigator
Pamukkale University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Virtual Reality Exercise Training, Conventional Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Cycle Ergometer Training and thoracic surgery in people with Thoracic Surgery and Postoperative Recovery, run by Pamukkale University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 2 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 14 Jul 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
FEV1 (time frame: From baseline to 2 weeks after hospital discharge). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 14 Jul 2026.