NCT05876156

iMOVE: Virtual Reality PT Versus Traditional PT

Immersive Virtual Reality for Enhancement of Physical Activity in Pediatric Oncology : a Randomised Control Study (iMOVE)

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 40 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Stanford University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 10 Years – 25 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This pragmatic, crossover, randomized controlled study evaluates the efficacy of virtual reality assisted physical therapy (VRPT) for improving the physical activity of hospitalized children as compared to traditional physical therapy. This is a pilot study that will be used to identify patient populations that can benefit the most from VRPT and estimate this effect for future studies. Patients with a significant neurological condition, major developmental disability, active infection of the face or hand, history of severe motion sickness, history of seizures caused by flashing light or had a major surgery within the last 48 hours will be excluded.

Detailed description

Childhood cancer is a significant health concern worldwide. Despite improved 5-year survival rates (80%-85%), children undergoing treatment face physiological and psychosocial challenges, including chronic pain, limited mobility, muscle loss, low bone density, and mental distress. To mitigate negative therapy-related adverse health outcomes and improve quality of life, supportive care measures are emphasized during cancer treatments. The US Department of Health \& Human Services advises Pediatric oncology patients to engage in 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity, 3 times a week, for a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise during and after treatment profoundly impacts a child's physical, psychological, and social well-being. Inpatient and outpatient physical therapy is commonly suggested for patients. Yet, traditional physical therapy is usually monotonous and repetitive, leading to boredom and decreased adherence. Limited exercise variation may fail to captivate attention and provide motivation for consistent participation. Virtual reality physical therapy (VRPT) provides dynamic and interactive exercise, overcoming traditional therapy's boredom. Exergaming offers fun and excitement through engaging virtual environments and gameplay. It enhances motivation, sustains interest, and encourages longer exercise. Personalized and adaptive interventions in virtual reality target individual needs and allow progress tracking.

Conditions

• Physical Health

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Virtual Reality Physical Therapy	Participants are allowed to freely choose one game from the game list. Participant will be asked to wear a validated activity tracker - ActiGraph. Baseline heart rate will be collected for 1 minute. Participants will be wearing the ActiGraph during Physical Therapy session. Participants receiving VR intervention will be instructed to wear an Oculus Quest 2 headset (Meta, Inc., Menlo Park, CA) and participate in VR applications under the supervision of the physical therapist.
BEHAVIORAL	Traditional Physical Therapy	Participants will receive traditional Physical Therapy sessions (standard care) under the supervision of the accredited physical therapist. Participants will be wearing the Actigraph during Physical Therapy session. Participants will perform regular physical exercise, such as 20 minutes walking or biking on a stationary bike, under the supervision of a physical therapist.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-06-01
• Primary completion: 2026-05-31
• Completion: 2026-05-31
• First posted: 2023-05-25
• Last updated: 2025-11-18

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States