Effects of Virtual Art Therapy Delivered Through Virtual Reality Glasses and Physical Art Therapy on Anxiety, Psychological Well-being, and Sleep Quality in Patients With Colorectal Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating how virtual reality-based art therapy compares with traditional physical art therapy in managing anxiety, psychological well-being, and sleep quality among patients with colorectal cancer undergoing outpatient chemotherapy. This randomized controlled trial includes 78 adult patients who will be assigned to one of three groups: virtual reality art therapy, physical art therapy, or a control group receiving routine care. The study aims to improve supportive care options for cancer patients through non-drug interventions. Participants in the virtual reality art therapy group will use a headset and motion controllers to create digital drawings in a virtual environment using the Vermillion VR painting application. Those in the physical art therapy group will engage in drawing activities using colored pencils and paper. Both intervention groups will have four sessions, each lasting about 30 minutes, held every two weeks over an eight-week period. The control group will continue with standard care without art therapy. During the study, researchers will collect data before the first session and after the fourth session, using tools like the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Psychological Well-Being Scale, Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire, and Visual Analog Scale to measure changes in anxiety, well-being, and sleep quality. Immediate anxiety changes will also be evaluated before and after each session. The study will last eight weeks, providing insight into the benefits of these therapies for patients' mental and sleep health.

Virtual vs Physical Art Therapy for Anxiety, Psychological Well-being, and Sleep Quality in Colorectal Cancer Patients