iMOVE — virtual reality physical therapy versus traditional physical therapy for hospitalized young people with cancer

Immersive Virtual Reality for Enhancement of Physical Activity in Pediatric Oncology : a Randomised Control Study (iMOVE)

This pilot will test whether virtual reality–based physical therapy helps hospitalized children and young adults with cancer be more physically active than regular physical therapy.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 40 (estimated)
• Ages: 10 Years to 25 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Stanford University (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Palo Alto, California)
• Trial ID: NCT05876156 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a pragmatic, randomized, crossover pilot comparing virtual reality–assisted physical therapy (VRPT) to traditional physical therapy in hospitalized patients aged 10–25 with a cancer diagnosis. Participants receive both types of PT during an inpatient stay of at least three days with the second session occurring 24–72 hours after the first, and sessions are randomized in order. The study measures changes in physical activity and engagement to identify which patient groups benefit most and to estimate effect sizes for future trials. Patients with significant neurological or developmental disability, active face/hand infection, severe motion sickness, light-triggered seizures, recent major surgery, or non-English speakers are excluded.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Hospitalized patients aged 10–25 with a cancer diagnosis who have an active physical therapy consult and can remain inpatient for at least three days are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Children with significant neurological or major developmental disabilities, active infections of the face or hand, a history of severe motion sickness or light-triggered seizures, recent major surgery, or those who cannot speak English are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, VRPT could make inpatient therapy more engaging and increase activity levels, potentially improving mobility, strength, and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous VR and exergaming interventions in pediatric rehabilitation have shown improved motivation and activity, but randomized crossover data specifically in hospitalized pediatric oncology patients are limited.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Between age 10-25 years
* Diagnosed with cancer
* Has an active physical therapy consultation
* Anticipated inpatient stay for at least 3-days with the second PT session following between 24-72 hours after the first PT session
* Ability to understand and the willingness to personally sign the written Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved informed consent document by Legally Authorized Representative (LAR) if participant \<18 years old or by participant if 18+
* Ability to understand and the willingness to personally sign the written IRB approved informed assent document for patient \<18 years old.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Legal guardian does not present to obtain consent.
* Child with a significant neurological condition, or major developmental disability.
* Child with active infection of the face or hand.
* A history of severe motion sickness.
* A history of seizures caused by flashing light.
* Major surgery within the last 48 hours.
* Does not speak English (required for surveys)
* With visual impairments or any degree of developmental delays
* Child on mechanical ventilation or ventilatory support

Where this trial is running

Palo Alto, California

• Lucile Packard Childrens Hospital Stanford — Palo Alto, California, United States (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Thomas Caruso — Stanford University
• Study coordinator: Thomas Caruso

Conditions: Physical Health, Virtual Reality, Physical Activity