Comparing virtual reality with traditional methods in cognitive rehabilitation in PICS syndrome

Post Intensive Care Unit Syndrome (PICS) manifests deficits in physical, cognitive, and mental functions following ICU hospitalization and complicates the recovery process. 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. 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). Regardless of the intervention type, participants exhibited statistically significant improvements in general cognitive function (<i>p</i> = 0.02), attention (<i>p</i> = 0.016), visuospatial (<i>p</i> = 0.03), and executive functions (<i>p</i> = 0.011). The experimental group showed greater improvement in visuospatial function (<i>p</i> = 0.011), while the control group demonstrated enhanced language fluency (<i>p</i> = 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). 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.