Using virtual reality to improve walking in ICU patients with weakness

VERARE_2 Efficacy of the Observation of Virtual Motor Actions for the Improvement of Gait in Patients With ICU Weakness

Not applicable Interventional Rennes University Hospital · NCT04713345

This study is testing if using virtual reality can help ICU patients with muscle weakness walk better and recover more effectively.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment66 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorRennes University Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Rennes, Bretagne)
Trial IDNCT04713345 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the use of virtual reality (VR) to enhance rehabilitation for patients suffering from ICU-weakness, a condition characterized by muscle and nerve damage due to prolonged immobilization in intensive care. By observing virtual motor actions, patients may experience improved gait and mobility, which is crucial for their recovery and independence. The intervention aims to provide an alternative rehabilitation method when traditional physiotherapy is not feasible due to patient conditions or resource limitations. The study will include patients hospitalized in ICUs or Continuing Care Units who exhibit lower limb muscle weakness following severe sepsis.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults hospitalized in ICUs or Continuing Care Units with lower limb muscle weakness due to severe sepsis.

Not a fit: Patients with pre-existing gait disorders or central neurological events may not benefit from this intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance recovery and mobility for ICU patients, leading to faster discharge and improved quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using virtual reality for rehabilitation, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patient hospitalized in one of the ICU or Continuing Care Units or at the CHU de Rennes for less than 3 months, and presenting lower limb muscle weakness with MRC motor testing on the main muscle segments giving a score of less than or equal to 48/60 (ICU Weakness diagnostic criterion) in the aftermath of severe sepsis.
* Person of full age;
* Affiliation to a social security scheme;
* Free, informed and signed written consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of a central neurological event with clinical repercussions
* Gait disorders pre-existing to hospitalization in intensive care and limiting the walking perimeter (declaration by the patient) or requiring the use of technical assistance;
* Uncontrolled epilepsy (seizure less than 6 months old);
* Adults who are the subject of legal protection (safeguard of justice, curatorship, guardianship), persons deprived of their liberty;
* Non-French speaking person;
* Pregnant or breastfeeding woman.

Where this trial is running

Rennes, Bretagne

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.
Conditions ICU-weaknessresuscitationvirtual realityavatarrehabilitation
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.