Effects of Immersive Virtual Reality and/or Multicomponent Physical Exercise on Cognitive and Functional Performance in Hospitalized Older Patients With Severe Functional Dependency

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how immersive virtual reality combined with physical exercise can help hospitalized older adults who have severe difficulties in daily functioning. This study is conducted in a Spanish tertiary hospital and aims to assess whether these interventions improve cognitive and physical functions, mood, quality of life, muscle strength, and acceptance of virtual reality technology. The focus is on patients aged 75 and older with severe functional dependency admitted to the Acute Geriatric Unit. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of four groups: a control group receiving usual care, a group using immersive virtual reality to view 3D Spanish landscapes, a group undergoing individualized multicomponent physical exercise, or a group receiving both virtual reality and exercise interventions. These activities are designed to stimulate cognitive and physical abilities progressively during their hospital stay. Throughout the study, participants will undergo evaluations including cognitive tests like the Mini-Mental State Examination, handgrip strength measurements, balance and mobility assessments, and mood and quality of life questionnaires. Assessments will occur at baseline, day 3, discharge, and one month after discharge. The study also monitors delirium, functional performance, and length of hospital stay to understand the overall impact of these interventions on well-being during hospitalization.

Immersive Virtual Reality and Physical Exercise on Cognitive and Functional Performance in Hospitalized Older Patients