Using virtual reality to help hemodialysis patients with depression
Official title: Virtual Reality: A New Technological Modality to Deliver Psychotherapyto Hemodialysis Patients with Comorbid Depression
Funded at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign · NIH-10676316 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new virtual reality program that helps hemodialysis patients relax and feel better emotionally through guided meditation, aiming to improve their mental health and overall well-being.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Champaign, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $238,027 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK129594-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10676316 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are undergoing hemodialysis and experiencing symptoms of depression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing hemodialysis or do not have comorbid depression may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a virtual reality platform that immerses hemodialysis patients in a calming environment to deliver psychotherapy focused on improving their emotional well-being. The study will involve a randomized controlled trial with 84 participants, where patients will engage in guided meditation sessions using a head-mounted display. By providing an innovative and accessible method of therapy, the research seeks to address the high rates of depression among hemodialysis patients, which can negatively impact their health outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the mental health and overall quality of life for hemodialysis patients suffering from depression.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of virtual reality in psychotherapy is an emerging field, preliminary studies have shown promising results in similar applications, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lara-Cinisomo, Sandraluz — University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Study coordinator: Lara-Cinisomo, Sandraluz
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.