Mindfulness using virtual reality for older adults with anxiety and depression in Ecuador
Mindfulness Intervention Using Virtual Reality in Older Adults With Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression in Ecuador
This study is testing if a virtual reality mindfulness program can help older adults in Ecuador who are dealing with anxiety and depression feel better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Universidad San Francisco de Quito Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Quito, Pichincha) |
| Trial ID | NCT06219642 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study implements a randomized control trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a low-cost virtual reality (VR) mindfulness intervention for older adults experiencing anxiety and depression in Quito, Ecuador. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group, which will receive 10 sessions of guided mindfulness through VR, or a control group that will only receive check-in phone calls over 10 weeks. The VR sessions will utilize nature scenes accessed through a smartphone app, combined with mindfulness scripts to enhance relaxation and mental well-being. The study aims to recruit 90 older adults from various outpatient settings to assess the impact of this innovative approach.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are older adults in Quito, Ecuador, who have normal cognitive functioning or mild cognitive impairment and experience symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Not a fit: Patients with moderate to severe cognitive impairment, severe vision or hearing problems, or current psychosis or mania may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could provide an accessible and effective method for reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression in older adults.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of VR for mindfulness is a growing field, this specific approach targeting older adults in a low-income setting is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Normal cognitive functioning or mild cognitive impairment determined using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), being able to give written consent, and being a Spanish speaker. Exclusion criteria were Exclusion Criteria: * moderate to severe cognitive impairment, blindness or severe vision problems, deafness or hearing problems, history of dizziness, and current psychosis or mania.
Where this trial is running
Quito, Pichincha
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito — Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Cristina Crespo, PhD
- Email: mcrespoa@usfq.edu.ec
- Phone: +593 99 715 0912
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.