Asking a frail patient to do cardio is often asking the impossible: limited mobility, poor balance, low motivation. RVer Virtual Cycling solves the equation differently: an immersive bike ride, done always seated, that works the legs and delivers gentle cardio with no bike and no pedals, without ever leaving the chair.
Virtual Cycling is part of RVer Motion, a module in development, not covered by the Class I medical device registration, which covers the base product.
A ride through the countryside, from the chair
The patient rests or straps a VR controller on each thigh and starts pedalling. That motion drives a first-person ride through a bright 3D countryside: winding road, tree-lined avenue, sunlit hills. The world never physically moves them: the horizon stays level, with no jolts, which lowers the risk of the nausea that usually keeps frail users away from virtual reality.
On-screen, in real time, are speed, distance and cadence (RPM). An instructions card and a GO button let anyone start on their own, with no menus or complicated reading.
The team sees movement data. The patient sees a ride
This is where Virtual Cycling differs from a fitness app. While the patient enjoys pedalling through the countryside, the physiotherapist's companion app receives live, over the local network:
- distance covered;
- average and max speed;
- cadence (RPM);
- session duration;
- left/right leg symmetry: the bilateral balance of effort.
It turns a pleasant ride into objective information the team can follow over time.
Built for patients, not for cyclists
VR cycling is not new, but the usual solutions require a real bike and smart trainer and are built for fit cyclists. RVer Virtual Cycling is the opposite:
- seated and comfortable, with a level horizon;
- driven only by the controllers on the legs, no gym equipment;
- simple: no accounts, no menus, one button to start;
- local and private: runs on the headset itself, no cloud;
- built for frail, deconditioned or cognitively impaired patients.
Part of RVer Motion
Virtual Cycling joins the other RVer Motion activities: the guided 3D coach (Gym Room) and the mobility games (Orb Slice, Reach Pop, Balloon Pop, Rhythm Reach). All share the same philosophy: movement the patient wants to do, recorded for the team to review. RVer Motion and RVer Neuro are modules in development, not covered by the Class I medical device registration, which covers the base product.
Important note: RVer Virtual Cycling is an exercise and movement-tracking aid for wellness purposes, used under the supervision of healthcare professionals. It is not a diagnostic device and does not replace clinical assessment.
The role of RVer
RVer is a virtual reality system designed for healthcare environments and registered as a Class I Medical Device (base product) in EUDAMED and with INFARMED (Portugal), bearing the CE mark under MDR 2017/745. It runs on affordable standalone headsets, is simple for teams to operate, and collects no patient clinical data.
Riding through the countryside, seated, with effort turning into data: that is how Virtual Cycling makes cardio possible, and desirable, for the people who need it most.
Frequently asked questions
What is RVer Virtual Cycling?
It is a seated indoor VR cycling activity, part of the RVer Motion movement module. The patient rests or straps a controller on each thigh and pedals; that motion drives a first-person ride through a 3D countryside. It is designed for patients of all ages, frail ones included, with comfort and safety first.
How does seated VR cycling work without a bike?
No bike or pedals are needed. The patient stays seated and uses a VR controller on each leg; the pedalling motion is detected and moves the virtual ride forward. Speed, distance and cadence (RPM) appear on-screen, and a GO button lets anyone start unaided.
What does the therapist see?
The physiotherapist's companion app receives live, over the local network, the distance covered, average and max speed, cadence, duration, and left/right leg symmetry. The patient sees a bike ride; the clinician sees movement data to track progress over time.
Is it safe for older or frail patients?
Yes. The activity is always done seated, with a level horizon and no forced camera motion, which lowers the risk of nausea. It suits frail, deconditioned or cognitively impaired people, always under team supervision. It is an exercise and wellness aid, not a diagnostic device.