A Health Game Intervention for Cancer and Post-ICU Patients Suffering From Acute Cognitive Impairment

After the completion of a usability study, a two-arm, randomized parallel-group efficacy pilot study will be executed with adult brain cancer patients to estimate cognitive improvements using 3 cognitive assessment measures. Arms will include an experimental group (intervention) and the non-gameplay attention group (control).

Experimental group: estimate approximately 10 hours of game play (over 4 weeks) and 1-2 hours of cognitive survey testing will be needed

Control group: It is estimated approximately 10 hours of Word-Search and Crossword Puzzle play (over 4 weeks) and 1-2 hours of cognitive survey testing will be needed.

Patient total duration of the intervention will be four weeks (3X per week) starting approximately one to two weeks after the conclusion of all cancer treatment (chemo and radiation therapy). Depending on the patients' ability/comfort level, we will determine if they are able to use the VR headset and hand controls.

The 3 cognitive scales:

• Hopkins Verbal Learning and Memory test
• Controlled Oral Word Association test (verbal fluency/exec. functions)
• Trail Making test (processing speed, executive function, visual perception)

Inclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria

of our study are as follows: (1) age 18 years or older, (2) English speaking, (3) Completion of all chemo and radiation therapy and surgical procedures, (4) physical, cognitively, and emotionally able to wear the VR game headset or seat with personal computer flat screen, (5) able to provide consent or through a legally authorized representative, (6) available to play the game three times per week for four consecutive weeks, either in the outpatient clinics or in a location near their home, with the support to provide them transportation to either location and (7) own a cell phone by which they can be reached to make arrangement for testing. Race and gender are not conditions for inclusion in this pilot study.

Exclusion criteria

Patients are excluded from our study if any of the following conditions are present: (1) history of mental illnesses and other neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, or any other form of advanced neurodegenerative or neuro-cognitive diseases, (2) severe psychiatric illness which is not well controlled, (3) suspected or confirmed drug intoxication/overdose; (5) acute neurologic injury such as traumatic brain injury, ischemic or hemorrhagic cerebrovascular accident, or undergoing neurosurgery, (6) uncorrected hearing or vision impairment including legal blindness, (7) incarcerated at the time of study enrollment, (8) enrolled in another clinical trial which does not permit co-enrollment, or (9) any medical condition precluding safe use of VR headset and hand control technology or physical use of personal computer flat screen and touch pads.