Virtual reality to help recovery after intensive care (PICS)

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

Adults who recently stayed in the ICU and are at risk for Post‑Intensive Care Syndrome are randomized 1:1:1 to one of three arms: immersive VR using a Meta Quest Pro with six targeted cognitive games, the identical games delivered on a 2D tablet, or standard care without digital exercises. Participants complete short daily brain-training sessions (about 12 minutes per day) while in the hospital, with the protocol aimed at early cognitive rehabilitation. The trial is designed to test the "Immersion Hypothesis," i.e., whether full sensory immersion provides extra neurological engagement beyond the games themselves. Outcomes focus on memory, attention, processing speed, and other cognitive domains relevant to ICU recovery.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult patients, 18 years or older
* Patients in the Intensive Care Unit
* Ventilated patients must be in the post-extubation period
* The patient has a projected remaining hospital stay of at least 4 days (assessed by the clinical team)
* The patient has RASS score between -1 and +1
* The patient has the ability to move both arms, even if with difficulties, as assessed by the clinical team, to be able to interact with the software
* The patient can maintain a stable sitting position (30° to 60°)
* The patient is able to communicate (speech, gesturing, or writing)
* The patient can communicate and understand Portuguese
* The patient or a legal representative provided informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe cognitive and neurodegenerative diseases: mental illness requiring institutionalization; acquired or congenital intellectual disability; known severe brain injuries (e.g., stroke with significant residual deficits); moderate to severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) (defined by the duration of loss of consciousness/post-traumatic amnesia or documented residual deficits); diagnosed neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Parkinson's disease with severe movement impairment, Huntington's disease, severe Alzheimer's disease, or dementia of any etiology that prevents autonomy in daily life at baseline)
* The patient uses neuromuscular blocking agents
* The patient has a positive CAM-ICU result at the time of initial screening
* The patient has active psychotic disorders or suicidal ideation
* The patient has documented epilepsy or history of seizures
* The patient has a "Do Not Resuscitate" (DNR) order, is on life support with exclusive focus on comfort, or has an unexpected survival predicted to be less than 24 hours
* The patient has intoxication by an active substance or withdrawal syndrome requiring ongoing medical management that prevents safe and meaningful participation or accurate cognitive assessment
* Patients with immobility or severe motor limitations in the upper limbs, fine motor skills, or cervical region
* The patient has open wounds on the head or face that may affect the comfortable/safe use of VR glasses, cause discomfort, or present a hygiene risk
* The patient has uncorrected blindness or deafness that prevents the safe/effective use of VR/tablet devices.
* Patients are participating in another rehabilitation study with interventions
* Patients with a scheduled surgery where the ICU stay is expected to be less than 24 hours
* Patients in need of respiratory support

Where it's running

• Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João
  Porto, Porto District, Portugal Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: João Ferreira-Coimbra, MD — Centro Hospitalar De São João, E.P.E.
• Study coordinator: Nuno F. Rodrigues
• Email: nunofeixa@gmail.com
• Phone: 929145931

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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• PROTECT-ICU: Training ICU staff to reduce post-ICU health problems

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• Behavioral health collaborative care for people recovering after ICU

  This trial will test whether a coordinated behavioral health program using a digital app, coaching, and psychiatric support helps ICU survivors reduce anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms.

  Recruiting Medical University of South Carolina · Charleston, South Carolina · NCT07372586

• Wearables and digital health summaries to support ICU survivors' recovery

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• Effects of suctioning on pain and stress in intubated ICU patients

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• Combining sleep promotion and cognitive training to improve brain function in older ICU survivors

  This study is testing if helping older adults who survived ICU treatment sleep better and do brain exercises can improve their thinking skills.

  Recruiting University of Washington · Seattle, Washington · NCT06411561

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.