Comparison of the Effect of Effleurage Massage vs. Virtual Reality on Shoulder Pain, Anxiety, and Satisfaction in Women Undergoing Gynecological Laparoscopic Surgery

Shoulder pain and anxiety are prevalent among women undergoing gynecological laparoscopic surgeries. The impacts of virtual reality (VR) treatment and effleurage massage on alleviating these issues and enhancing patient satisfaction have not been thoroughly investigated.

This study aimed to compare the effects of VR and effleurage massage on shoulder pain, anxiety levels, and overall patient satisfaction in women who have undergone gynecological laparoscopic procedures.

The study involved 80 women, equally divided into two groups of 40: one receiving VR treatment and the other receiving effleurage massage. Four assessment tools were employed: 1) a structured interview questionnaire, 2) a Visual Analog Scale, 3) an Anxiety Rating Scale, and 4) a Modified Maternal Satisfaction Questionnaire.

The findings indicated;

A significant reduction in pain for the massage group, with an average pain score of 2.30 ± 3.85 post-intervention, compared to 4.40 ± 2.33 in the VR group.
Additionally, the massage group reported lower anxiety levels and higher satisfaction, averaging 10.5 points, in contrast to the 8.45 points reported by the VR group.

Thus, the study concluded that effleurage massage proved to be more effective than VR in relieving pain, reducing anxiety, and enhancing satisfaction among women post-gynecological laparoscopic surgery. Therefore, it is suggested that both effleurage massage and VR be incorporated into nursing practices for managing shoulder pain and anxiety in patients following gynecological laparoscopic operations.

Source: Mahmoud FZ, et al. Effect of Virtual Reality versus Effleurage Massage on Shoulder Pain, Anxiety, and Satisfaction of Women Undergoing Gynecological Laparoscopic Operation. Assiut Scientific Nursing Journal. March 2025;13(50):83 – 94. DOI: 10.21608/asnj.2025.357543.2008

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