Cycling with immersive VR for ICU patients recovering from critical illness

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized, within-subject crossover trial will enroll 20 adult ICU patients who have been on mechanical ventilation for at least 48 hours and are able to perform active cycling. Each participant will complete three 10-minute cycling sessions under different visual conditions (no visuals, TV route, and immersive VR) in random order on three consecutive days, with cycling resistance held constant. The aim is to determine whether the VR environment improves motivation and engagement during rehabilitation. The study is conducted at KU Leuven-affiliated centers and led by KU Leuven with Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven as collaborators.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Admission to ICU ≥ 7 days
* ≥ 48h mechanical ventilation
* Expected additional ICU stay ≥ 7 more days
* Adult (≥18y)
* Awake and adequate
* Alert and calm (RASS -1 to +1)
* No medical contraindication for (bed-/chair-)cycling
* Able to perform 10 minutes of active cycling

Exclusion Criteria:

* Significant visual impairments
* Cognitive impairment (MMSE \< 20/30)
* Psychotic disorder
* Pregnancy
* Not able to understand Dutch, French or English
* Not able to provide informed consent

Where it's running

• University Hospitals Leuven
  Leuven, Belgium Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Daniel Langer, Associate professor
• Email: daniel.langer@kuleuven.be
• Phone: +32 16 34 71 25

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.