Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 65

Effects of exercise with virtual reality on mood in adults

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

Run by The University of Texas at Arlington · NCT05973461 · Data updated 2026-11-12

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

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
Enrollment200 (estimated)
SponsorThe University of Texas at Arlington
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Arlington, Texas)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMay 17, 2022
Main results expectedAugust 31, 2027
Study endsAugust 31, 2027
Registry record updatedMay 29, 2026
Trial IDNCT05973461 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

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

Probably not a fit

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

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

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

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

  • UTArlington
    Arlington, Texas, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.