Serious games for research
Serious Games as a Research Tool Games as a Method Serious games can contribute to scientific research in many different ways and at many different stages. Think of collecting quantitative…
VR rehabilitation after ICU admission:
recovery through play
8D co-developed a VR rehabilitation game called Puzzle Motion in collaboration with Dr. Lise Beumeler (then a PhD candidate at Campus Fryslân, University of Groningen) and the Medical Center Leeuwarden. Designed for patients recovering from an intensive care unit (ICU) stay, the game is based on physiotherapeutic goals and tailored to the needs of this vulnerable target group. The approach, prototype, and insights from this trajectory resulted in both scientific impact and broader societal value.
Goals
1
Explore, together with patients, which technology and format best suit this target group
2
Adapt the technology and user interface to the physical capabilities of patients, including during their stay in the ICU
3
Deliver a functional prototype suitable for use in a feasibility study
Virtual Reality in healthcare
An ICU admission often leaves lasting effects. Many patients continue to suffer from reduced mobility, fatigue, and psychological complaints for months or even years. These symptoms are known collectively as Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS). Ideally, physical recovery begins during the ICU stay and requires ongoing support. However, keeping patients motivated during these hard times can be challenging.
At the same time, healthcare systems face increasing pressure due to digital transformation and staff shortages. Innovation that can relieve this burden while addressing patient needs is crucial. In this context, the idea emerged to explore VR therapy as a rehabilitation tool—with an engaging, game-like component to enhance motivation and adherence.
Approach
Together with Dr. Beumeler, 8D designer Johan van der Meulen initiated a small-scale exploratory test, inviting recovering ICU patients and healthcare professionals to try out a range of existing games and technologies. We brought Kinect motion sensors, VR headsets and everything in between. The goal was to find the most suitable hardware for this specific audience. Surprisingly, it was virtual reality that resonated most strongly with participants.
This participatory approach proved successful on multiple fronts. Not only did it help shape a usable application, it also built trust and buy-in among healthcare professionals. As ICU specialist Carina Bethlehem remarked: “Had we introduced a VR rehabilitation game with the Oculus Go 2 headset right from the start, we probably would have encountered resistance. Thanks to those early tests, however, we discovered that VR – when properly guided – was very well received by patients, including the elderly.”
Following these initial tests, 8D worked closely with Beumeler and treating physicians to develop a custom VR prototype for a pilot study at the Medical Center Leeuwarden. In the game, players solve a puzzle inside a virtual living room by moving pieces using arm and hand movements.
The game includes four levels, tailored to different degrees of mobility, and uses hand-tracking technology – so patients don’t need to hold any controllers. The interface was intentionally kept simple, allowing even ICU patients to use the game during early stages of recovery.
Watch our webinar: Lise Beumeler & Johan van de Meulen
Healthcare, Research and Serious Games
Results
- Working prototype: VR training with four difficulty levels and intuitive hand-tracking
- Tested and applied:: on the ICU ward of the Medical Center Leeuwarden
- Positive feedback: from both patients and healthcare professionals, especially regarding motivation and ease of use
- Scientific publications:
I see you: unravelling pathways of recovery after critical illness (proefschrift Lise Beumeler, 2023)
The feasibility of virtual reality therapy for upper extremity mobilization during and after intensive care unit admission (2025), co-authored by 8D designer Johan van der Meulen - Media coverage, including features in the University of Groningen alumni magazine, the Global Cast podcast, and the science program Focus on Dutch national radio
- Follow-up study: conducted by master’s student Mirthe de Vries to explore the feasibility of implementing the VR tool on the ICU ward
- Certification: The VR training received the Serious Games Quality Mark from the Dutch Society for Simulation in Healthcare (DSSH). This mark is awarded to applications that demonstrably contribute to patient safety, education, training, scientific research, and quality management in healthcare.
Plans for the future
Initial results from the feasibility study show that implementing VR therapy for post-ICU rehabilitation is not only possible but also well tolerated, both in the ICU and in general hospital wards. The next step will be to further validate these findings using a control group. Additionally, the team is working on improving the visualization of gameplay data, allowing therapists to better assess patients’ movement patterns and progress.
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