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- Effects of a reminiscence therapy program on neuropsychiatric symptoms and quality of life in people with dementia: a pilot study comparing immersive virtual reality and non-immersive approachesPublication . Soares, Maria; Quental, Vanessa; Pereira, Miguel; Sanchez, Ana Isabel Corregidor; Costa, Ana; Portugal, Paula; Coelho, Tiago; Coelho, Tiago; Portugal, PaulaThis study compared the impact of an immersive virtual reality (VR)-based reminiscence therapy program with a similar non-immersive intervention on neuropsychiatric symptoms and quality of life of people with dementia. A pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted with 14 individuals with mild to moderately severe dementia, who participated in eight biweekly individual reminiscence sessions conducted by trained researchers, in which 360° videos of locations with personal relevance were displayed. Participants were randomly divided in two groups: one receiving therapy using VR headsets to promote an immersive experience while the other watched the videos on a monitor (non-immersive approach). Assessment was conducted pre- and post-intervention using the Quality of Life in Alzheimer’s Disease Scale to measure quality of life and the Geriatric Depression Scale, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale and Neuropsychiatric Inventory to evaluate neuropsychiatric symptoms. Adverse simulation-related symptoms were also assessed with the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire. There were no statistically significant differences between groups at baseline, regarding sociodemographic variables and level of dementia progression. The results indicated significant improvements post-intervention in quality of life from caregivers’ perspectives in the non-immersive group (p < .05) but not in the VR group. Differences in overall neuropsychiatric symptoms, depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms between assessments were non-significant. However, slight improvements were visible, particularly regarding anxiety. Only a few instances of mild cybersickness symptoms were reported in both groups. In this study, pre- and post-intervention comparisons do not support the added value of using immersive VR in reminiscence therapy for people living with dementia. This raises questions about whether VR is worthwhile compared to traditional approaches, and how to better capture potential benefits of immersion with VR, which may be more evident considering in-session engagement and well-being or longer intervention programs.
- Effects of an immersive virtual reality reminiscence intervention on engagement, behavioral and psychological symptoms, and well-being of people with dementia: A randomized crossover trialPublication . Pereira, Miguel; Leite, Cláudia; Campos, Carlos; Coelho, Tiago; Coelho, Tiago; Campos, CarlosVirtual reality (VR) is a novel technology that can facilitate reminiscence in people with dementia. However, few studies have explored the role of VR’s immersiveness in enhancing therapeutic outcomes. This study aimed to analyze the effects of an immersive VR reminiscence session compared to a non-immersive session, focusing on engagement, behavioral and psychological symptoms (BPSD), and well-being, using behavioral observation and physiological metrics. A randomized crossover trial with a seven-day washout period was conducted. Engagement, BPSD and well-being were assessed before, during and after each intervention using both observational scales and heart rate variability analysis. 20 participants (average age 80.55 years, 90% women) were recruited. Significant pre-post differences were found in behavioral engagement (z=−2.67, p=0.008) and facial expression of apathy (z=−2.12, p=0.034) during the immersive intervention. Additionally, lower apathy in terms of purposeful activity was observed during the immersive intervention (z=−2.24, p=0.025). These results are particularly noteworthy given the sample size, which, although small, highlights a clear trend of behavioral and apathy change. The results suggest that VR’s immersiveness can enhance engagement in dementia intervention programs. As VR technology becomes more accessible and safer, continued research is needed to explore its therapeutic potential.
- Sensação e funcionalidade na lesão nervosa periférica - a propósito de um estudo de casoPublication . Silva, Bruno; Sousa, Helena; Branco, Sandra; Portugal, Paula; Campolargo, Ana; Portugal, Paula; Sousa, Helena Maria Rocha de SousaLesões Nervosas Periféricas têm um impacto significativo na qualidade de vida e na independência, afetando tanto o movimento quanto a sensação da pessoa. A reintegração na rotina diária é particularmente desafiadora devido às mudanças na força e sensibilidade do membro afetado, que variam conforme o nervo lesionado. Embora seja reconhecido que a reeducação sensorial pode ter efeitos benéficos, há uma lacuna na literatura quanto à formulação de protocolos específicos para essa intervenção. Verificar o impacto do “Programa de Discriminação Sensorial” na reabilitação dos défices sensoriais na lesão do plexo braquial. Estudo de caso de nível micro focado num ator e do tipo multimetodológico. Caso ilustrativo da síndrome do túnel cárpico, com avaliações inicial, intermédia e final, assim como 14 sessões de intervenção. Utilizaram-se vários instrumentos de avaliação, tais como o Mini Mental State Examination, Questionário (3 secções), Índice de Barthel, Escala de Lawton & Broady, WHOQOL-Bref e Monofilamentos de Semmes-Weinstein. Os dados foram analisados através do Microsoft Excel, versão 2305. Após 14 sessões de intervenção com o “Programa de Discriminação Sensorial”, foram encontrados resultados positivos em relação à reabilitação sensorial em pessoas com STC, o que parece ter um impacto positivo na reabilitação sensorial em lesões nervosas periféricas. Apesar dos resultados positivos, é importante aumentar a amostra e continuar com a aplicação deste programa para apoiar o trabalho dos Terapeutas Ocupacionais nestes casos.
- Impact of a single virtual reality relaxation session on mental-health outcomes in frontline workers on duty during the COVID-19 Pandemic: a preliminary studyPublication . Faria, Sara; Fonseca, Sílvia Monteiro; Marques, António; Queirós, Cristina; Pereira da Silva Marques, António JoséThe COVID-19 pandemic affected frontline workers’ mental health, including healthcare workers, firefighters, and police officers, increasing the need for effective interventions. This study focuses on the pandemic’s psychological impact, perceived stress, depression/anxiety symptoms, and resilience, examining if a brief virtual reality (VR)–based relaxation session could reduce psychological symptoms. In this preliminary study with data collected in 2025 from frontline workers who had served during the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, 54 frontline workers completed a baseline assessment of the perceived psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic, general perceived well-being, perceived stress (PSS-4), anxiety/depression (PHQ-4) and resilience (RS-25). Each participant then engaged in a 10-min immersive VR relaxation session featuring a calming 360◦ nature environment with audio guidance, after which questionnaires were re-administered. Paired samples t-tests and repeatedmeasures ANOVA evaluated pre-/post-session differences, and a hierarchical multiple linear regression model tested predictors of the change in stress. Pre-session results showed moderate perceived stress and resilience and low depression/anxiety. Occupation groups varied in baseline stress, mostly reporting negative pandemic psychological effects. After VR, significantly perceived well-being increased, and stress decreased, whereas depression/anxiety changes were nonsignificant. Repeated-measures ANOVA revealed a main effect of time on stress (p = 0.003) without occupation-by-time interaction (p = 0.246), indicating all occupational groups benefited similarly from the VR session. Hierarchical regression indicated baseline depression and higher perceived pandemic-related harm independently predicted greater stress reduction, whereas resilience and baseline anxiety showed no statistically significant results. A single VR relaxation session lowered perceived stress among frontline workers, particularly those reporting higher baseline depression or pandemic-related burden. Limitations include the absence of a control group. Results support VR-based interventions as feasible, rapidly deployable tools for high-stress settings. Future research should assess longer-term outcomes, compare VR to alternative interventions, and consider multi-session protocols.
- A gamified virtual reality exposure therapy for individuals with Arachnophobia: a pilot studyPublication . Lopes, Inês; Almeida, Raquel Simões de; Gomes, Paulo Veloso; Marques, António; Simões de Almeida, Raquel; Machado Veloso Gomes, Paulo Sérgio; Pereira da Silva Marques, António JoséArachnophobia is a specific phobia characterized by an intense and persistent fear of spiders, often leading to avoidance behaviors that can significantly impact daily life. Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) offers a controlled, adaptable, and immersive therapeutic environment, allowing for greater personalization, flexibility, and the real-time modulation of exposure parameters. This pilot study employed a quasi-experimental design without a control group to evaluate the efficacy of a gamified VRET intervention for treating arachnophobia. A sample of 25 participants underwent the intervention, with outcomes assessed through a Behavioral Approach Test (BAT) and self-report measures, including the Fear of Spiders Questionnaire (FSQ) and the Spider Phobia Questionnaire (SPQ-15), administered pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at a two-week follow-up. Findings indicate that gamified VRET led to significant reductions in self-reported fear and avoidance behaviors, suggesting its potential as an effective therapeutic tool for arachnophobia. Although some results were not entirely conclusive, the overall improvements observed support further investigation in larger, controlled trials.
- Usefulness of mixed reality in surgical treatment: Delphi studyPublication . Magalhães, Renato; Lima, Ana Carolina; Marques, António; Pereira, Javier; Santos. Lúcio Lara; Pereira da Silva Marques, António José; Magalhães, RenatoMixed reality (MR) combines real and virtual elements and has shown promise in diverse fields, including surgical procedures. MR headsets may support surgical navigation, planning, and training. It is crucial to determine whether medical professionals consider this technology indispensable. This study uses the Delphi method, facilitated by the Welphi web-based platform, to assess the utility of MR in surgical settings and analyzes the results of the first round using a systematic approach modeled on the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) framework. This study aims to examine the feasibility and advantages of MR technology in surgical contexts. The findings are intended to inform and direct health care professionals, researchers, and developers in advancing MR integration into surgical environments to optimize treatment quality and safety. A 3-round Delphi approach was implemented to ascertain consensus on the utility of MR in surgical treatment. Participants (n=22) were purposefully selected from among experts with professional experience in technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, 3D laparoscopy, and robotics. In the first round, participants provided insights into the potential applications of MR in surgical procedures through open-ended questions structured across 5 distinct sections. Responses were analyzed to develop the second-round questionnaire, which was hierarchically organized into main topics and subtopics. In the third round, the questions were identical to those in the second round, including the percentage results, allowing participants to reconsider their responses. A consensus round was subsequently conducted. The majority consensus level was defined as agreement by ≥70% of the participants in a given round. The study was conducted from January to May 2024. All 22 invited experts provided responses in both the first and second rounds (100% response rate). In the third and consensus rounds, 20 (91%) of the 22 experts participated. The consensus round, conducted to present the results, yielded a majority consensus (19/20, 95%) on the usefulness of MR in surgical treatment. The primary benefits of MR in surgery were identified as surgical navigation (15/20, 75%), planning (15/20, 75%), and teaching and training (14/20, 70%). In addition, 75% (15/20) of the experts identified cost and investments as primary constraints. We used the Kendall tau-b coefficient for correlation analysis, and significant correlations were identified between distinct aspects. MR technology is most beneficial in surgical navigation, planning, and training. However, the costs and investments required for implementation may present a potential limitation for the integration of this technology into surgical procedures. Moreover, it is of crucial importance to consider the ethical implications associated with MR use, particularly regarding patient safety and privacy.
- Military stress management training using virtual reality: A systematic review and delphi methodPublication . Vianez, Ana; Marques, António; Loureiro, Javier; Gomes, Paulo Veloso; Machado Veloso Gomes, Paulo Sérgio; Pereira da Silva Marques, António JoséMilitary personnel encounter stressors that uniquely affect their performance and well-being, necessitating effective stress management interventions. This study investigates the efficacy of VR-based Stress Management Training (SMT) programs in comparison to traditional approaches. Through a systematic review of 13 studies, VR-based SMT programs were found to significantly reduce stress and anxiety symptoms, with various physiological markers used to evaluate the stress response. Additionally, a Delphi study was conducted to gather expert insights on designing VR-based SMT programs specifically for special operations forces. The experts identified key stressors and coping strategies relevant to this group, emphasizing the potential of VR for stress monitoring, simulation training, and real-time feedback. The Delphi study reached a 97 % consensus on the design principles for these programs. Overall, the findings suggest that integrating VR into SMT programs offers a promising strategy for enhancing stress management and resilience in military personnel.
- Mental health and lifestyle factors among higher education students: a cross-sectional studyPublication . Almeida, Raquel Simões de; Rodrigues, Andreia; Tavares, Sofia; Barreto, João F.; Marques, António; Trigueiro, Maria João; Simões de Almeida, Raquel; Barreto, João Francisco; Pereira da Silva Marques, António José; Trigueiro, Maria JoãoThis study aimed to describe the lifestyle factors and mental health levels among higher education students and identify their predictors. A cross-sectional study with a sample of 745 students was conducted with students from the Polytechnic of Porto using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21), Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation (CORE)-18, and FANTASTICO Lifestyle Questionnaire. The findings indicate that while students generally exhibited a positive lifestyle, they also experienced mild levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, nearing the moderate threshold. The DASS-21 Depression subscale was a significant predictor of both CORE-18 and FANTASTICO scores, underscoring the strong relationship between depression and overall well-being. Anxiety and stress were also predictors of CORE-18 scores, reflecting the negative impact of stress on students’ psychological well-being. Perceived health status and the male sex were associated with better outcomes on the DASS-21 and CORE-18, while the female sex predicted a healthier lifestyle, as measured by FANTASTICO. These findings highlight the importance of targeted interventions that address mental health and promote healthy lifestyle choices in educational settings.
- Eficácia de um programa de literacia em saúde mental na redução do estigma em jovens da Póvoa de VarzimPublication . Moura, Ana Lia; Monteiro, Bárbara; Trigueiro, Maria João; Silva, Vítor Simões; Almeida, Raquel Simões de; Portugal, Paula; Sousa, Sara; Campos, Filipa; Soutelo, Ana Paula; Veloso, Paulo; Marques, António; Trigueiro, Maria João; Simões-Silva, Vitor; Simões de Almeida, Raquel; Portugal, Paula; de Sousa, Sara; Campos, Filipa; Machado Veloso Gomes, Paulo Sérgio; Pereira da Silva Marques, António JoséApesar da sociedade ocidental ter evoluído culturalmente no ultimo século, caminhando no sentido da liberalização e da democratização, ainda são visíveis muitos comportamentos preconceituosos e estigmatizantes, especialmente para com minorias. O estigma é então percebido como a marginalização e desvalorização de certos indíviduos tendo por base características consideradas diferentes. O principal objetivo é avaliar a eficácia do programa de intervenção - "Bicho de 7 Cabeças", destinado à diminuição do estigma da saúde mental na população jovem da Póvoa de Varzim, através da promoção da literacia em saúde mental. Realizou-se um estudo quasi-experimental, envolvendo uma amostra de 504 participantes a frequentar o 9º ano em estabelecimentos de ensino da Póvoa de Varzim. Os participantes foram distribuídos por grupo experimental, que recebeu intervenção com sessões educativas e grupo de controlo ativo, que recebeu uma intervenção com a entrega de conteúdo informativo. A avaliação foi realizada através de um questionário em formato digital, composto por questões sociodemográficas e o instrumento - Reported and Intended Behaviour Scale (RIBS). Resultados: Verificou-se uma diminuição nos níveis de estigma em ambos os grupos (p<0,001), e o valor da interação entre o efeito da intervenção e a pontuação do RIBS foi igualmente (p<0,001). Constatou-se a eficácia do programa de promoção de Literacia em Saúde Mental - "Bicho de 7 Cabeças" na redução dos níveis de estigma em jovens da Póvoa de Varzim.
- Impacto de um programa de apoio terapêutico online para cuidadores informaisPublication . Oliveira, Patrícia; Almeida, Raquel Simões de; Trigueiro, Maria João; Marques, António; Simões de Almeida, Raquel; Trigueiro, Maria João; Pereira da Silva Marques, António JoséDada a alta prevalência de cuidadores informais (CI) na Europa (cerca de 80%), e o impacto ambivalente do papel na sua saúde mental e física, desenvolveu-se o programa online “Group Hug – Informal Caregivers”. Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar o impacto deste programa na sobrecarga, bem-estar psicológico e resiliência em cuidadores informais residentes na área metropolitana de Lisboa. A amostra foi constituída por 17 participantes e foi realizada uma intervenção online com duração de 1 ano. O impacto do programa foi analisado através de uma avaliação realizada antes e após a participação, utilizando os seguintes instrumentos: Escala de Sobrecarga do Cuidador, Escala Breve de Coping Resiliente e a Escala de Medida de Manifestação de Bem-Estar Psicológico. Os resultados não indicaram melhorias significativas ao nível da sobrecarga (p=0.620), do coping resiliente (p=0.740), nem ao nível do bem-estar psicológico (p=0.326); isto pode dever-se a diversos fatores que caracterizam a amostra, à adesão às sessões, e ao facto de a resiliência ser um traço de personalidade e por isso poder ser alterado de forma limitada. As intervenções dirigidas aos cuidadores informais podem ser benéficas, mas é necessário continuar-se a investigar como devem ser implementadas para se garantir maior eficácia. Os terapeutas ocupacionais podem ter um papel importante nesta área, contribuindo com intervenções especializadas que promovam estratégias de gestão da sobrecarga, fortalecimento do bem-estar e desenvolvimento de recursos de resiliência nos cuidadores informais.