Video games as medicine: VR rehab trial aims to boost recovery in young transplant patients

NCT ID NCT07653880

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether adding virtual reality video games to standard breathing and exercise therapy helps children aged 5 to 18 recover better after a stem cell transplant. Participants do 24 supervised sessions over 8 weeks, either with standard rehab alone or standard rehab plus VR games using a Nintendo Wii and breathing software. Researchers measure changes in lung function, muscle strength, balance, and fitness to see if the game-based approach leads to greater improvements.

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-assisted video game-based exercise training (Nintendo Wii Fit U and Breathing Labs games) plus conventional pulmonary rehabilitation

What this could lead to

If it works, this approach could make post-transplant rehab more engaging and effective for children, potentially speeding recovery of lung function and physical fitness.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase trial with only 38 participants, so results may not apply to all children. The games and equipment may not be widely available, and the added benefit over standard rehab alone is uncertain.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cancer neoplasm

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Istinye University

    Istanbul, 34010, Turkey (Türkiye)