Actively Recruiting
Virtual Reality for Recovery After Intensive Care (PICS)
Led by University of Minho · Updated on 2026-05-13
51
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
25 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Minho
Lead Sponsor
U
Universidade do Porto
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if virtual reality (VR) helps improve thinking and memory skills in adults who have stayed in the intensive care unit (ICU). The study focuses on people who needed a breathing machine or stayed in the ICU for several days and are at risk for memory or "brain fog" issues. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does using VR improve a participant's memory, attention, and thinking skills after an ICU stay? * Does the "immersive" feel of a VR headset work better to improve these skills than using a handheld tablet? Researchers will compare three groups to see how different types of care affect the brain: * VR-Rehab: Participants use a VR headset to play brain-training games. * Tablet-Rehab: Participants use a handheld tablet to play the same brain-training games. * Standard Care: Participants receive the usual hospital care without digital brain games. Participants will: * Play brain-training games for 12 minutes every day for up to one week while in the hospital. * Complete memory and thinking tests with a researcher at the start of the study and again after two weeks. * Answer follow-up questions about their memory and thinking skills for 6 months after leaving the hospital.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Virtual Reality for Recovery After Intensive Care (PICS)
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Adult patients, 18 years or older
- Patients in the Intensive Care Unit
- Ventilated patients must be in the post-extubation period
- Projected remaining hospital stay of at least 4 days
- Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) score between -1 and +1
- Ability to move both arms, even if with difficulties
- Ability to maintain a stable sitting position (30° to 60° angle)
- Ability to communicate (speech, gesturing, or writing)
- Ability to communicate and understand Portuguese
- Informed consent provided by patient or legal representative
You will not qualify if you...
- Severe cognitive and neurodegenerative diseases including mental illness requiring institutionalization
- Acquired or congenital intellectual disability
- Known severe brain injuries such as stroke with significant deficits
- Moderate to severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Diagnosed neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., severe Parkinson's, Huntington's, severe Alzheimer's, or dementia preventing daily autonomy)
- Use of neuromuscular blocking agents
- Positive CAM-ICU result at initial screening
- Active psychotic disorders or suicidal thoughts
- Documented epilepsy or history of seizures
- Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order, life support focused on comfort, or expected survival under 24 hours
- Intoxication or withdrawal syndrome requiring medical management preventing safe participation
- Immobility or severe motor limitations in upper limbs, fine motor skills, or cervical region
- Open wounds on head or face affecting safe or comfortable use of VR glasses
- Uncorrected blindness or deafness preventing safe or effective use of VR/tablet devices
- Participation in another rehabilitation study with interventions
- Scheduled surgery with ICU stay expected less than 24 hours
- Need for respiratory support
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João
Porto, Porto District, Portugal, 4200-319
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
N
Nuno F. Rodrigues
CONTACT
I
Inês Oliveira
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
3
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here