Using Virtual Reality Pablo Gaming in the Post-Operative Rehabilitation of Breast Cancer Patients: Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

<b>Background/Objectives:</b> Surgical treatment of breast cancer may lead to physical and psychological side effects. Exercises, especially those aided by virtual reality (VR), can improve both physical and psychological dysfunctions. To explore the effects of exercises using VR through Pablo games Technology on the function, grip strength, wrist ROM, fatigue, pain, activities of daily living (ADLs), and anxiety among post-operative breast cancer females. <b>Methods:</b> Forty post-operative breast cancer females participated in the current study: nineteen in the control group (CG), who received a standard treatment consisting of upper limb exercises plus intermittent compression therapy, and twenty-one participants assigned to the Pablo group (PG), who received the standard treatment plus additional training using the Pablo game training system. The intervention period was eight weeks long. The outcome measures were function, grip strength, wrist ROM, fatigue, pain, activities of daily living, and anxiety. Data were obtained at the baseline, after eight weeks, and at two months follow-up. <b>Results:</b> There were statistically significant declines in pain and fatigue, while there were statistically significant improvements in ADLs, grip strength, function, and ROM post-intervention and at two months follow-up in both groups (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Between-group comparisons demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in pain, anxiety, and fatigue and statistically significant improvements in function, ADLs, grip strength, and ROM in favor of the PG post-treatment and at the follow-up (<i>p</i> < 0.001). <b>Conclusions:</b> Adding VR using the Pablo game training system to the standard rehabilitation of post-surgical breast cancer patients can further improve their function, hand grip, wrist ROM, fatigue, pain, and ADLs.