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Comparing virtual reality with traditional methods in cognitive rehabilitation in PICS syndrome
A Despoti1, I Patsaki1,2, A Alexandropoulou1
1Clinical Ergospirometry, Exercise and Rehabilitation Laboratory, 1st Critical Care Department, Evangelismos Hospital, School of Medicine, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
Introduction:
Post Intensive Care Unit Syndrome (PICS) manifests deficits in physical, cognitive, and mental functions following ICU hospitalization and complicates the recovery process.
Aim:
The clinical trial aimed to assess the impact of neuropsychological rehabilitation on cognitive deficits arising from ICU hospitalization. Additionally, it sought to compare the effectiveness of VR-based rehabilitation with traditional methods and investigate the safety and feasibility of VR intervention.
Methodology:
Thirty participants were divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group underwent cognitive training using VR, while the control group utilized traditional methods. Neuropsychological assessments (Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-Revised (ACE-R), Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)) were conducted before and after a 12-session intervention (three times a week for four weeks).
Results:
Regardless of the intervention type, participants exhibited statistically significant improvements in general cognitive function (p = 0.02), attention (p = 0.016), visuospatial (p = 0.03), and executive functions (p = 0.011). The experimental group showed greater improvement in visuospatial function (p = 0.011), while the control group demonstrated enhanced language fluency (p = 0.019). Correlations between cognitive functions were observed in baseline measures and their differences. VR was found to be a safe, suitable, and enjoyable rehabilitation method, as indicated by Suitability Evaluation Questionnaire (SEQ) scores, with a mean of 60.7 (SD = 5.5).
Discussion:
These preliminary data suggest that VR can be effective in the rehabilitation of cognitive functions in ICU survivors with PICS, especially in visuospatial abilities. Large-scale longitudinal clinical trials involving diverse patient groups are needed to explore the long-term impact of VR interventions on cognitive functions.
