Virtual reality headsets bring calm and brain games to ICU patients

NCT ID NCT06876168

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Kirby Mayer Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jul 21, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This study tests whether virtual reality (VR) can help patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) relax, improve their mood, and keep their minds active. Participants will use a VR headset for about 15 to 45 minutes each day for up to 5 days, doing breathing exercises, brain games, and relaxation tasks. The study includes 32 adults with acute respiratory failure or sepsis. The main goal is to see if the VR approach is easy to use and practical in the ICU setting.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: virtual reality sessions with breathing exercises, brain games, and relaxation techniques
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a simple, drug-free way to help ICU patients feel better and think clearer during recovery.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, early feasibility study with only 32 people. It is designed to see if the approach is practical, not to prove it works. Results may not apply to all ICU patients.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

acute respiratory failure infectious disease with sepsis Sepsis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ACUTE RESPIRATORY FAILURE SEPSIS

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Kentucky

Lexington, Kentucky, 40536, United States

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