Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of early active limb movement facilitated by virtual reality technologies with conventional exercise therapy in enhancing patient recovery in the Respiratory Intensive Care Unit. The follow-up period covers 1 week. METHODS: In this prospective randomized controlled trial, patients were allocated to either a control group, which received standard exercise therapy, or a virtual reality group, which utilized virtual reality software and equipment for active exercises. Patients were followed for 1 week. The study compared compliance, safety, and rehabilitative outcomes between these groups. Data were analysed using a linear mixed-effects model. RESULTS: Patients in the virtual reality-based exercise group exhibited significantly higher levels of average daily exercise time, out-of-bed exercise time, and overall exercise compliance compared with the control group (p < 0.05). There were no reports of adverse events related to exercise in either group. Notably, within the first week of intervention, the virtual reality-based exercise group showed significant improvements in various parameters, including muscle strength, grip strength, body mass index, and the Barthel Index, outperforming the control group in these areas (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Based on 1 week of follow-up data, the study confirms that virtual reality-based exercise modalities are more efficacious than traditional exercise approaches in enhancing exercise duration, compliance, and various health outcomes in Respiratory Intensive Care Unit patients. This approach also contributes to reducing Respiratory Intensive Care Unit stay duration. The system's effectiveness could be further increased by integrating more varied and engaging rehabilitation games and features tailored to the needs of ICU patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chictr.org: ChiCTR1900021452.