Oyama, H., Kaneda, M., Katsumata, N., Akechi, T., & Ohsuga, M. (2000). Using the bedside wellness system during chemotherapy decreases fatigue and emesis in cancer patients. Journal of Medical Systems, 24, 173–182.

The study was a randomized, controlled trial. The intervention was a “Bedside Wellness System” (BSW) that included:  a virtual world for 20 minutes, with three-dimensional sound, wide angle display screens, gentle breezes, aromatherapy, and synchronized foot movement devices. There were three scenes:  a lake, a forest, and a country town. The control group interviewed before chemotherapy and the end of the trial.

• The sample was comprised of 30 patients.
• Age ranged from 18 to 70 years. 
• Most patients were women.
• Patients had multiple types of cancer.

• Outpatient chemotherapy
• Tokyo, Japan

The study was a randomized, controlled trial with pre-/posttests and two trials; both groups were subdivided into depressed versus nondepressed.

• Cancer Fatigue Scale (developed by the institution) 
• Fatigue visual analog scale (VAS)

An insignificant effect on fatigue was found when comparing the pre-/posttests of the depressed and nondepressed subgroups in the control group, comparing between the trials, although the depressed control subgroup seemed to have greater fatigue after chemotherapy than the nondepressed subgroup. Statistical significance was found after the second test in the control group, and post second trial tests showed significance compared to the control; however, no significance was found when comparing the depressed versus nondepressed subgroups.

• Data/charts in the article do not support the conclusion of decreased fatigue, except for the control group.
• The study had a small sample size; it was limited to chemotherapy patients and was random but not diverse.
• The equipment was expensive and requires expertise in virtual reality distraction techniques.