An Augmented Reality (AR) App Enhances the Pulmonary Function and Potency/Feasibility of Perioperative Rehabilitation in Patients Undergoing Orthopedic Surgery

Perioperative rehabilitation is crucial for patients receiving surgery in order to reduce complications and mortality. Conventional methods such as verbal instructions and pre-recorded video are commonly used, but several disadvantages exist. Therefore, we developed an augmented reality (AR) app that includes respiration training, resistance muscle training, and walking training for surgery preparation. The aim of this pilot study was to compare the effects of AR-based training rehabilitation programs with conventional (non-AR-based) programs considering the objective pulmonary function and subjective feasibility and potency in orthopedic patients. This prospective study was conducted in a medical center in Taiwan between 2018 to 2021. Sixty-six patients undergoing elective orthopedic surgery were allocated with a 1:1 ratio to non-AR or AR groups according to their wishes. After training, the inspiratory flow rate of the AR group was higher than that of the non-AR group pre-operatively. As for the subjective assessment, the feasibility (level of confidence and anxiety reduction) and potency (cooperation and educative effect) were superior in AR-based training, compared with the conventional training model. Our study showed that patients using our AR app had better subjective and objective outcomes compared with a conventional model for perioperative rehabilitation.