Using virtual reality to promote physical activity and social connection in adults

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study aims to address the barriers to physical activity among adults aged 45-80 by utilizing virtual reality (VR) and telehealth technologies. Participants will engage in group-based physical activity programs delivered through VR, which enhances social presence and interaction. The study targets individuals who are low-active and provides an opportunity for them to connect with an 'activity buddy' while participating in enjoyable physical activities from home. By leveraging technology, the study seeks to make effective physical activity interventions more accessible to a broader audience.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age of 45-80 years
* Body mass index between 30-45 kg/m2
* Low-active (30 or more minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on 2 or fewer days per week)
* Have access to home Wi-Fi
* Have regular access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone to receive teleconferencing calls
* Have a clear "VR space" (7'x7' object-free space)
* Have an "Activity buddy" (spouse, child, caregiver, etc.)
* Modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS-M) score of 32 or greater
* Consent from a physician for study participation
* Proficient in the English language
* Willingness to create or use existing personal Facebook account for virtual reality activities.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Current involvement in other physical activity research studies
* Hearing or sight impairments (significant visual or hearing impairment that cannot be corrected and results in the inability to use the telephone or hear normal conversation, colorblindness)
* Dependence on a cane or walker
* More than 1 fall in the past year
* Contraindication to exercise
* Current or recent history within the last 6 months of: symptomatic coronary heart disease, cancer, liver or renal disease, severe pulmonary disease, gross physical impairment, or uncontrolled hypertension; myocardial infarction or cardiovascular procedure within the last 3 months
* History of or diagnosis of photosensitive epilepsy
* Score of "severe" on any question in the Virtual Reality Sickness Questionnaire;
* Unwillingness to use a head-mounted virtual reality system
* Current severe or untreated depression

Where it's running

• Wake Forest University
  Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Jason Fanning, PhD — Wake Forest University
• Study coordinator: Kyle Kershner, BS
• Email: kerski19@wfu.edu
• Phone: 336-758-3728

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.