Exploration of potential XR technologies for early mobilization of ICU patients

Topic

ICU patients are often admitted acutely and are in a fragile condition. Due to lack of exercise, patients can lose up to 50% of their muscle mass within 2 weeks. Early mobilization reduces ventilator time and overall hospital time. However, solutions that properly address the fear of exercise, are sufficiently personalized to the capabilities and needs of the individual and motivate repeated use in this context are lacking. XR may offer a solution here.

The use of XR for rehabilitation in ICU patients is still in the early stages of development, but the first results are promising. These types of applications can create a therapeutic, game-like environment in which patients can engage in therapy in a fun, stimulating, stress-reducing and safe way.

Most studies show the potential of VR technologies for early mobilization, exercise compliance, and delirium prevention, for example, but little is known about the potential benefits and limitations of other XR technologies, for which patients certain technologies work best (in terms of user-friendliness, experience, motivation, etc.) and the best ways to apply them in clinical practice.

In this project we want to investigate how XR technology can help long-term ICU patients with early mobilization, with special attention to fear of movement, personalization to the capabilities and needs of the individual, and long-term use over multiple sessions. This project will provide insight into the benefits and limitations of off-the-shelf XR technologies for different (groups of) ICU patients. In addition, it will also provide knowledge about the needs and acceptance of ICU patients and staff, which is essential for successful implementation and helps define an appropriate direction for further research and development.

Partners

Saxion, Universiteit Twente, Medisch Spectrum Twente, SyncVR, InMotion VR, HoloMoves. 

Duration

2023-2024

Financing

This KIEM-GoCI project has been made possible by https://regieorgaan-sia.nl/

Contact

More information Danny Plass (contact from Ambient Intelligence) or projectleader Richard Evering