Using Virtual Reality to Help ICU Patients Improve Movement and Well-Being
Designing a Virtual Reality Intervention to Improve Physical and Psychological Health in Intensive Care Units
This study is testing if using Virtual Reality can help patients in the cardiothoracic ICU move better and feel less anxious or lonely during their recovery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Duke University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Durham, North Carolina) |
| Trial ID | NCT06797895 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to determine if Virtual Reality (VR) can enhance mobility and psychological health in patients recovering in the cardiothoracic intensive care unit (CT-ICU). Participants will engage in VR activities designed to promote upper body movement while being monitored by nursing staff. They will complete surveys assessing their levels of anxiety, depression, and loneliness before and after the intervention. The study compares the effects of VR-assisted mobility against standard care for patients who have been in the ICU for an extended period.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are English-speaking adults who have been in the ICU for at least three days and have limited mobility.
Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, have severe visual impairments, or are currently intubated or sedated may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the physical and mental health outcomes for ICU patients during recovery.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of VR in healthcare is emerging, this specific application in the CT-ICU setting is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult * English speaking * 3+ days ICU admission with limited mobility Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnancy * Blind/severe visual impairment * History of seizures * Intubation/sedation * Special enteric contact isolation
Where this trial is running
Durham, North Carolina
- Duke University Hospital — Durham, North Carolina, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Anna E Mall, MSN — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Anna E Mall, MSN
- Email: anna.mall@duke.edu
- Phone: 984-227-0106
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.