In collaboration with UZ Leuven, we developed a Virtual Reality application that can be used in the hospital within the intensive care unit. The proposal was one of the winners of the VR4Rehab Devjam. The research was initiated because of the problems with long Covid Patients. The research investigates how ICU patients, with a long rehabilitation time, and confined to their bed, can benefit from doing exercises in combination with VR. The initial results show that the VR experience is positively received by the patients and helps motivate them to exercise and at the same time provides a welcome distraction.
The application has two simple games and a relaxation space. One of the games is a painting game where the patient paints and reveals pictures underneath. The other game is a simple matching game, both games help players move their arms.
Eline Haaghedooren (et al) published an article in Australian Critical Care on how Virtual Reality can help patients within the ICU. The article named “Feasibility and safety of interactive virtual reality upper limb rehabilitation in patients with prolonged critical illness” talks about feasibility, safety and appreciation.
The project was delivered in collaboration with InMotionVR, a specialist in applying VR for physiotherapy and Rehab.
