Effects of exercise with virtual reality on mood in adults

Effects of Exercise With Virtual Reality on Females and Males With or Without Depression

Not applicable Interventional The University of Texas at Arlington · NCT05973461

This study tests if exercising on a stationary bike while using virtual reality can improve mood in adults with different levels of depression.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorThe University of Texas at Arlington Academic / other
Locations1 site (Arlington, Texas)
Trial IDNCT05973461 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates how riding a cycle ergometer while experiencing virtual reality impacts mood in adults. Participants over 18 will be assessed for symptoms of depression using a questionnaire and will be divided into groups based on their depression status. They will then be randomized to either use virtual reality or not while exercising for 20 minutes at a specified heart rate. Changes in depressive symptoms will be measured before and after the exercise using the Beck Inventory.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 who are physically inactive and may or may not have symptoms of depression.

Not a fit: Patients with diagnosed mental disorders, significant physical limitations, or certain health conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a novel and engaging method to alleviate symptoms of depression in patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the combination of exercise and virtual reality is innovative, similar studies have shown positive effects of exercise on mood, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Males and females over the age of 18 years
* With or without symptoms of depression
* Physically inactive or sedentary (less than 30 minutes per day)
* Normal vision and no color blindness
* No physical disorders such as walking with assistance

Exclusion Criteria:

* Below the age of 18 years or over 65 years,
* Women who are pregnant
* Individuals who have been diagnosed with mental disorders
* Individuals with leg injuries
* Individuals with cardiac problems
* Individuals with a history of asthma
* Individuals with a body mass index over 30.

Where this trial is running

Arlington, Texas

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Symptoms of Depression
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.