Jurnal NERS
Vol. 21 No. 1 (2026): VOLUME 21 ISSUE 1 (FEBRUARY 2026)

Effectiveness of virtual reality positive self-talk on changes in brain wave activity among patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy: a randomized controlled trial

Harahap, Ikhsanuddin Ahmad (Unknown)
Nasution, Azizah (Unknown)
Harahap, Urip (Unknown)
Ardinata, Dedi (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
28 Feb 2026

Abstract

Introduction: Patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy often experience pain, cognitive impairments, and changes in brainwave activity. This study evaluated the efficacy of Virtual Reality Positive Self-Talk (VR-PST) on changes in brain wave activity in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Methods: A single-blind randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted involving 92 patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy, who were randomly assigned to the VR-PST intervention group (n = 46) and the control group (n = 46). Participants in the VR-PST group received five intervention sessions conducted over a two-week period, consisting of structured cognitive self-talk presented in a virtual reality environment (VR-PST), while the control group received standard care. Brain wave activities in both groups were measured using the Muse 2 electroencephalographic (EEG) device before and after the intervention. Results: There were shifts in brain waves from delta to alpha waves in both groups, indicating relaxation; however, the VR-PST group showed a more dominant increase in beta waves. The VR-PST group demonstrated a trend toward greater cognitive activation; however, Fisher’s Exact Test showed that the difference between the groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.052). Conclusions: Although the difference was not statistically significant, the observed trend of increased beta-wave activity in the VR-PST group suggests a possible enhancement of cognitive activation. However, this finding should be interpreted with caution, and further studies are required to confirm this effect.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

JNERS

Publisher

Subject

Nursing

Description

The scope of this journal includes studies that intend to examine and understand nursing health care interventions and health policies which utilize advanced nursing research. The journal also committed to improve the high quality research by publishing analytic techniques, measures, and research ...