Effects of distraction by visual stimulation using videos and lighting on subjects undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy

Abstract

Background: In esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), drug-based sedation is useful in reducing pain experienced by the patient, but there are concerns regarding accidental complications. Consequently, there is a demand for methods other than sedative administration. In the present study, the effects of distraction by visual stimulation on subjects undergoing EGD were examined.

Subjects and methods: The subject population comprised 130 individuals who underwent EGD. Subjects in the control group rested for 15min before EGD, whereas those in the distraction group rested and watched videos of natural scenes under indirect lighting for 15min before EGD. Vital signs and autonomic nervous function were measured before, during, and 10min after EGD.

Results: Before EGD (after resting for 15min), the heart rate and blood pressure were significantly lower in the distraction group than in the control group (p < 0.05). The heart rate 10min after EGD was significantly lower in the distraction group than in the control group (p < 0.05). The log high-frequency power was significantly higher before EGD (after resting for 15min) and 10min after EGD completion, and the low-frequency power/high-frequency power ratio was significantly lower after resting for 15min in the distraction group than in the control group (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions: These findings imply that distraction before EGD by visual stimulation is effective for the stability of hemodynamics and autonomic nervous function.