Movement Is Medicine: Virtual Reality, Occupational and Physical Therapy Unite to Help Patient Stay Active

Before arriving at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford for a stem cell transplant, Phoenix McKenna loved to play sports.

Phoenix and her family decided on a stem cell, or bone marrow, transplant to cure her aplastic anemia, a bone marrow failure disorder in which the body doesn’t produce enough red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Phoenix needed frequent transfusions to help stave off excessive bleeding, reduce her risk of infection, and keep her energy up.

The stem cell transplant required a long hospital stay, and that’s where the physical and occupational therapy care teams stepped in, using virtual reality (VR) to help Phoenix tap into her love of sports, stay active, and keep her spirits up.

“I was very sporty before this—soccer, basketball, cheer—and I think VR played into that,” Phoenix said. “If I didn’t have PT at the hospital, I would be so bored!”

Pheonix worked hard each session with her physical therapy team, Mary Hunter and Adrianna Castilla, and occupational therapist Shannen Mendelsohn. VR also helped Phoenix exercise outside of therapy, which was critical for her to reach her goals.

Hunter and the Stanford Medicine Children’s Health Chariot Program brought fun, tech-powered tools for Phoenix to stay active and engaged.

“Using VR exergaming activities helped motivate Phoenix to move more during PT and spend more time out of bed outside of rehab sessions,” Hunter said.

VR uniquely pairs movement and gaming for an immersive experience. In one session, Phoenix found herself reaching overhead for cheese and tomatoes in a virtual grocery store. In another, she moved her arms and danced to the beat while slashing targets with virtual light sabers. Every time she stepped into VR, Phoenix and her mom laughed and celebrated her success.

“The VR shifted her mood and her excitement to get up and move—and it was also fun,” said Phoenix’s mom, Laura.

As another way to pass the time during her hospital stay, Phoenix started a bracelet-making business. She used some of the proceeds to buy an electric bike.

Phoenix was discharged from the hospital, and although it’s still early, her blood counts are near healthy levels. She no longer needs transfusions, and her platelet levels are high enough that she can ride her new electric bike without worrying about excessive bleeding if she falls. “I hope Phoenix lives a vibrant and active life without needing any future transfusions,” said Tami John, MD, who performed Phoenix’s stem cell transplant. “She is a very social, creative, thoughtful, and active young person, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for her.”