Virtual Reality for Recovery After Intensive Care (PICS)

Authors
Category Primary study
Registry of Trialsclinicaltrials.gov
Year 2026
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.
Epistemonikos ID: 8a533102d7c85dfca113387be05b34f4668c95b8
First added on: May 14, 2026