Intervention effect of virtual reality (VR) marathon simulation training on psychological disinhibition in bedridden cancer patients
Abstract
This study conducts a scoping review combined with bibliometric analysis to examine the potential of virtual reality (VR) marathon simulation training as a psychosocial intervention for psychological disinhibition among bedridden cancer patients. Sixty core articles published between 2003 and 2024 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection and analyzed across three dimensions: neurobiological mechanisms of emotional and behavioral dysregulation, limitations of traditional psychological and pharmacological interventions, and emerging evidence supporting VR-based therapeutic applications. Bibliometric analysis demonstrated robust academic activity in this field, with an h-index of 39 and an average of 84.76 citations per article. Nearly half of the included studies focused on VR applications in pain and anxiety management, highlighting its capacity to modulate attention, reduce distress, and enhance emotional regulation through multisensory immersion. VR marathon simulation training may provide a low-burden, high-engagement alternative for bedridden patients by interrupting the cycle of exercise deprivation, cognitive decline, and emotional deterioration through dynamic scene interaction, supportive feedback, and virtual goal attainment. Despite these advantages, evidence gaps remain, including limited large-scale clinical trials, insufficient guidance on optimal intervention dosage, and the need for clearer emotional safety criteria. Future research should refine emotionally adaptive VR designs and explore how virtual social environments can further enhance coping and psychological well-being in this vulnerable population. This review provides foundational support for VR-based exercise substitution therapy as a meaningful psychosocial adjunct in oncology care.
Copyright (c) 2025 Author(s)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
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