176 CHAPTER 8 ABSTRACT Background: Early mobilisation reduces long-term muscle weakness after intensive careunit (ICU)-admission, but barriers (e.g. anxiety, lack ofmotivation) may complicate patients’ adherence to early mobilisation. Virtual Reality (VR) presents immersive stimuli, which may increase motivation and adherence. This study aimed to examine the feasibility and efficacy of VR-therapy using a VR-headset during ICU and subsequent general ward-admission. Methods: Ten adult ICU-patients, mechanically ventilated for ≥ 48h, and clinically capable, were included. VR-therapy was offered three times a week for 20 min. in addition to standard care. To train upper extremity functionality patients were instructed to complete puzzles with increasing level of difficulty. Feasibility outcomes were number and duration of VR-therapy sessions, actual training time, session efficiency, and adherence. Patients’ handgrip strength and Morton Mobility Index (DEMMI) were evaluated by a pre and post-test. Results: Patients followed three VR-therapy sessions of 20 min. per week with 12.9 min. of actual training time. Session efficiency ranged from 25% to 93%. Patients adhered on average to 60% of the VR-therapy sessions. DEMMI scores increased significantly from pre (26 [24-44]) to post-test (57 [41-85], p=0.005), indicating better balance and mobility. Conclusions: VR-therapy in (former) ICU-patients is feasible and associated with improvements in physical recovery.
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