Using virtual reality landscapes to improve gait therapy for older adults
Effectiveness of Restorative Landscape Environments in Virtual Reality (VR) Used in Gait Training to Improve Gait Performance and Affect Restoration in Older Adults with Gait Insecurity - a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
NA · ETH Zurich · NCT06304077
This study tests if using virtual reality environments during gait therapy can help older adults with walking difficulties improve their stability and reduce stress.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 84 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | ETH Zurich (other) |
| Locations | 3 sites (Schaffhausen, Canton of Schaffhausen and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06304077 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of different restorative landscapes on gait therapy for older adults experiencing gait instability. Participants will use virtual reality (VR) goggles to experience urban, rural, and forest environments during their gait training sessions. The study aims to assess how these landscapes influence stress reduction, attention restoration, and changes in gait parameters. Participants will be divided into intervention and control groups, with the intervention group receiving additional VR training sessions alongside standard therapy. The goal is to determine the effectiveness of virtual landscapes in enhancing gait stability.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are German-speaking individuals over 65 years old who are currently in inpatient care and participating in gait therapy.
Not a fit: Patients with severe hearing impairments, epilepsy, or injuries that prevent comfortable use of VR glasses may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve walking performance and overall well-being in older adults.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of VR in therapy is gaining traction, this specific approach of combining restorative landscapes with gait therapy is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * age: \> 65 years * german-speaking * ability to give informed consent * attends gait safety training (usual care) * inpatient for a duration of min. 2 weeks in one of the study sites * items 7 - 15 of the De Morton Mobility Index (DEMMI): min. 2 points, max. 9 points * 3-minute walking distance: \> 30 m without rest, with or without walking aids, overground walking on flat surface Exclusion Criteria: * epilepsy * Partial weight bearing or conservatively or surgically treated billing with weight bearing as determined by symptoms * Severe hearing impairment (if not corrected with hearing aid) * Injuries to the eyes, face, or neck that prevent comfortable use of VR glasses.
Where this trial is running
Schaffhausen, Canton of Schaffhausen and 2 other locations
- Spitäler Schaffhausen — Schaffhausen, Canton of Schaffhausen, Switzerland (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
- Geriatrische Klinik St. Gallen — Sankt Gallen, Canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
- Spital Zollikerberg — Zollikerberg, Canton of Zurich, Switzerland (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ulrike Wissen Hayek, Dr. — ETH Zürich
- Study coordinator: Laura Schalbetter, MSc.
- Email: schalaur@ethz.ch
- Phone: +41 (0)44 633 34 25
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: Gait Analysis, Virtual Reality, Attention, Stress, virtual reality based gait therapy