Using virtual reality exercise to improve mental health
Examining the Effects of Virtual Reality Exercise on Mental Health Outcomes: A Randomized Controlled Trial
NA · University of Victoria · NCT06367439
This study is testing whether using virtual reality exercise can help improve mood and reduce anxiety and depression for people over a 10-week period.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Ages | 19 Years to 64 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Victoria (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Victoria, British Columbia) |
| Trial ID | NCT06367439 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This investigation examines the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) exercise, specifically Supernatural exergaming, on enhancing mental health outcomes such as mood, well-being, and cognitive function over a 10-week period. Participants will engage in VR exercise sessions to assess both short-term and long-term effects on depression and anxiety symptoms, as well as physical activity behavior and motivation. The study also aims to explore how motivational factors influence the use of VR exercise over time.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 19-64 living in the Greater Victoria area who currently engage in less than 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity per week.
Not a fit: Patients with health constraints that limit their ability to participate in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a novel and engaging way to improve mental health and physical activity levels in participants.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of VR for exercise is gaining traction, this specific approach focusing on mental health outcomes is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in previous studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 19-64 * Living in the Greater Victoria area * Have a stable Wi-Fi connection at home * Experience no health constraints that limit moderate-to-vigorous physical activity participation as identified by the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PARQ+). * Currently participating in less than 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity per week (as per Canadian physical activity guidelines) * Be willing to travel into the Behavioural Medicine Lab on the UVic campus * Be the only member of their household to participate in the study, past or present Exclusion Criteria: * If participant is flagged by the PARQ+ and is not cleared to participate in physical activity by their physician they are ineligible to participate * Does not meet any of the above inclusion criteria
Where this trial is running
Victoria, British Columbia
- Behavioural Medicine Lab — Victoria, British Columbia, Canada (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ryan Rhodes, PhD — Lab Director and Professor
- Study coordinator: Ryan Rhodes, PhD
- Email: rrhodes@uvic.ca
- Phone: 250-472-5288
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.
Conditions: Mental Health, Mood, Well-Being, Psychological, Physical Activity, Virtual reality, Exergaming, Physical activity, Exercise