Using virtual reality and exercise to improve cognitive and physical function in older hospitalized patients

Effects of Immersive Virtual Reality and/or Multicomponent Physical Exercise on Cognitive and Functional Performance in Hospitalized Older Patients With Severe Functional Dependency: Study Protocol for a Randomized Clinical Trial

Not applicable Interventional Fundacion Miguel Servet · NCT06340282

This study is testing if using virtual reality along with exercise can help older patients in the hospital think better and move more easily.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment212 (estimated)
Ages75 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorFundacion Miguel Servet Academic / other
Locations1 site (Pamplona, Navarre)
Trial IDNCT06340282 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of immersive virtual reality (IVR) combined with multicomponent physical exercise on the cognitive and functional performance of hospitalized older adults with severe dependency. Conducted in a tertiary hospital in Pamplona, Spain, the trial will enroll 212 patients aged 75 and older, who will be randomly assigned to either a control group or one of three intervention groups. The interventions include viewing 3D videos of Spanish landscapes, engaging in physical exercises, or a combination of both, with outcomes measured through cognitive tests, strength assessments, and evaluations of mobility and quality of life. The goal is to determine if these innovative approaches can enhance the overall well-being of older patients during their hospital stay.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are hospitalized patients aged 75 and older with severe functional dependency.

Not a fit: Patients with severe dementia or terminal illnesses may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the cognitive and physical functioning of older patients, enhancing their quality of life during hospitalization.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of virtual reality in rehabilitation is gaining traction, this specific combination of IVR and multicomponent exercise in hospitalized older adults is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Age ≥ 75 years Clinica Stability Expected length of stay ≥ 5 days Being able to communicate and collaborate with the research team

Exclusion Criteria:

Barthel Index score ≥ 60 at admission Refusal to sign the informed consent by the patient/legal guardian or inability to obtain it Life expectancy less than three months End-stage disease Severe level of major neurocognitive disorder (GDS 7)

Where this trial is running

Pamplona, Navarre

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 Disability PhysicalCognitionhospital-associated functional declinecognitive stimulationimmersive virtual realitymulticomponent physical exercisedisability
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.