Immersive virtual reality training to improve thinking and memory in adults with metabolic syndrome
Multimodal Immersive Virtual Reality Training for Improving Cognition in Adults With Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial
This project will try immersive virtual reality sessions that combine cognitive exercises and physical activity to see if they improve thinking and memory in middle-aged adults with metabolic syndrome who report cognitive complaints.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 84 (estimated) |
| Ages | 45 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Terrassa) |
| Trial ID | NCT07040748 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized, single-blind trial will enroll 84 adults aged 45–70 with metabolic syndrome and subjective cognitive complaints and assign them to either the Virtual-METS program or treatment-as-usual. The Virtual-METS program delivers group immersive virtual reality sessions combining cognitive training and physical exercise twice weekly for 12 weeks (24 sessions total). Primary outcomes are cognitive performance measured by a neuropsychological battery and eye-tracking tasks, with secondary outcomes of treatment adherence, daily functioning, and quality of life assessed at baseline, post-treatment, and six months. Ophthalmologic exams, carotid Doppler ultrasound, and panels of blood-based and gut-derived biomarkers will also be collected to explore physiological mechanisms.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal participants are Spanish- or Catalan-speaking adults aged 45–70 who meet metabolic syndrome criteria and report subjective cognitive complaints.
Not a fit: People with suspected dementia, significant psychiatric or neurological disorders, major systemic illnesses, or who cannot attend in-person sessions or speak Spanish/Catalan are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this non-drug program could improve cognitive function and daily functioning in people with metabolic syndrome while offering a more engaging and accessible therapy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous small trials and multimodal exercise-plus-cognitive programs have shown promising but mixed effects on cognition, and immersive VR approaches are emerging with encouraging early results but limited large-scale evidence.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Demonstrated criteria for the MetS: central obesity (waist circumference ≥ 94 cm for men or ≥ 80 cm for women) and at least 2 of the criteria described as follow: Triglycerides ≥ 150 mg/dl or specific treatment of this lipid disorder; HDL-C \< 40 mg/dl (men) or \< 50 mg/dl (women) or specific treatment of this lipid disorder; Systolic blood pressure ≥ 130 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 85 mmHg or previously diagnosed hypertension treatment; Basal glycemia ≥ 100 mg/dl or type 2 diabetes previously diagnosed). * Age: between 45 and 70 years old. * Subjective cognitive complaints: Subjective Cognitive Decline Questionnaire (≥ 7). * Ability to fully understand and speak Spanish or Catalan. Exclusion Criteria: * Confirmed or suspicion of dementia (MMSE\<24). * Diagnosis of severe psychiatric, neurological, developmental disorders, systemic pathologies, hematological, hormonal, nutritional pathology, and/or neoplasm that are known to cause cognitive deficits. * Other severe comorbidities considered a probable bias for the study: a cardiac history of unstable angina, recent myocardial infarction within the last 3 months, congestive heart failure, significant heart valve dysfunction, or unstable hypertension; taking medications that could negatively affect cognitive function. * Physical, motor, or sensory alterations that impede the neuropsychological examination or the rehabilitation program.
Where this trial is running
Terrassa
- Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa — Terrassa, Spain (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Maite Garolera
- Email: mgarolera@cst.cat
- Phone: +34937310007
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.