{"id":13868,"date":"2025-06-02T11:51:16","date_gmt":"2025-06-02T11:51:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/8d.nl\/projecten\/vr-rehabilitation-after-icu-admission\/"},"modified":"2025-07-10T08:28:03","modified_gmt":"2025-07-10T08:28:03","slug":"vr-rehabilitation-after-icu-admission","status":"publish","type":"projecten","link":"https:\/\/8d.nl\/en\/projecten\/vr-rehabilitation-after-icu-admission\/","title":{"rendered":"VR rehabilitation after ICU admission:"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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VR rehabilitation after ICU admission:<\/h1>\n\n\n

recovery through play<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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8D co-developed a VR rehabilitation game called Puzzle Motion in collaboration with Dr. Lise Beumeler (then a PhD candidate at Campus Frysl\u00e2n, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Goals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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\n Explore, together with patients, which technology and format best suit this target group <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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\n Adapt the technology and user interface to the physical capabilities of patients, including during their stay in the ICU <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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\n Deliver a functional prototype suitable for use in a feasibility study <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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\n Questions? Need a sparring partner? <\/h5>\n

\n Call 058 843 57 57<\/a>\n <\/h4>\n \n

\n Johan<\/strong> likes to think along! <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Virtual Reality in healthcare<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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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\u2014with an engaging, game-like component to enhance motivation and adherence.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n <\/div>\n \n \n<\/div>\n

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\"\"Approach<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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This participatory approach<\/a> 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 \u2013 when properly guided \u2013 was very well received by patients, including the elderly.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The game includes four levels, tailored to different degrees of mobility, and uses hand-tracking technology \u2013 so patients don\u2019t need to hold any controllers. The interface was intentionally kept simple, allowing even ICU patients to use the game during early stages of recovery.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Lise Beumeler with test participant<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Watch our webinar: Lise Beumeler & Johan van de MeulenHealthcare, Research and Serious Games<\/mark><\/h3>\n\n\n
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