Abstract

The purpose of this study is to assess and compare the effect of the attention-focus shifting approach used with virtual reality (VR) glasses on the quality of life and sleep characteristics of female fibromyalgia patients (FM). The study's sample included 30 female FM patients who came to the Algology Clinic for treatment and volunteered to participate in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: experimental (n=15) or control (n=15). The revised FM Impact Questionnaire (YFEA) was then used to assess the overall impact of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) on patients, the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) was used to capture mental symptoms, the Quality of Life Questionnaire Short Form (SF-36) was used to assess quality of life, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PUKI) was used to assess sleep quality. Participants in the control group received a one-time patient education session as well as associated written materials. The patients in the experimental group were given three sessions of attention-focus shifting exercises utilizing VR. The scales were reapplied for each patient at the completion of the VR training, and the values were recorded. A 4-question virtual reality satisfaction questionnaire was administered in addition to the patients in the experimental group to examine whether virtual reality technology could be regarded useful and effective in the treatment of a complex ailment such as FM. According to the study's findings, the attention focus shifting strategy used with VR on patients with FMS was not substantially effective in improving sleep quality and general quality of life when compared to patient education used on the control group.

Key words: Fibromyalgia, patient education, virtual reality, sleep, quality of life