Rehabilitation of hand and arm function using virtual reality

Rehabilitation of HAND and Arm Function Using a Meta QUEST-based Virtual Reality Game in ICU Patients

NA · Frisius Medisch Centrum · NCT06373341

This study is testing if a fun virtual reality game can help improve hand and arm strength in ICU patients who have been in the hospital for a while, compared to regular rehab methods.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment108 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorFrisius Medisch Centrum (other)
Locations1 site (Leeuwarden, Provincie Friesland)
Trial IDNCT06373341 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of a 4-week virtual reality (VR) exergame intervention on handgrip strength and overall arm functionality in ICU patients who have been hospitalized for 48 hours or longer. The study aims to compare the outcomes of this VR-based rehabilitation approach with standard rehabilitation practices. It is a multicenter, mixed-methods randomized controlled trial involving adult patients, focusing on various parameters such as mobility, balance, and support needs. The VR exergame is designed to be safe and engaging, providing a novel method for enhancing recovery in critically ill patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adult ICU patients who have been hospitalized for at least 48 hours and have intact motor skills in at least one upper extremity.

Not a fit: Patients with active delirium, severe cognitive dysfunction, or those with an internal cardiac defibrillator may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve hand and arm functionality, leading to better overall recovery for ICU patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of VR in rehabilitation is gaining traction, this specific approach targeting ICU patients is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in similar studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Length of stay ICU ≥48 hours
* Lives in catchment area of one of the Frisian hospitals
* Understands the Dutch language
* Intact motor skills of at least one upper extremity

Exclusion Criteria:

* Active delirium (CAM-ICU ≥1)
* Severe cognitive dysfunction
* Internal cardiac defibrillator

Where this trial is running

Leeuwarden, Provincie Friesland

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Post-Intensive Care Syndrome, ICU Acquired Weakness

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.