Using virtual reality to trigger exercise-like responses in sedentary adults
Official title: VR Stimulation of Exercise Response in Sedentary Humans
Run by Wayne State University · NCT07296991 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will test whether repeated short VR sessions that mimic exercise can produce exercise-like protein changes and improved endurance in sedentary adults with prediabetes.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 25 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 48 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Wayne State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Detroit, Michigan) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 30, 2025 |
| Main results expected | August 2028 |
| Study ends | August 2028 |
| Registry record updated | December 23, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07296991 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are sedentary adults with prediabetes (HbA1c 5.7–6.4% or fasting glucose 100–125 mg/dL), not currently in an exercise program, able to tolerate VR, and able to attend study visits at Wayne State University.
✕Probably not a fit
People with BMI over 35, those taking medications that blunt adrenergic responses (such as beta-blockers or SSRIs), current regular exercisers, those who experience anxiety or nausea with VR, or those with very high blood pressure are unlikely to benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Researchers will expose sedentary, prediabetic adults to repeated controlled virtual reality (VR) stimuli known to raise heart rate and adrenergic activity and compare biological and performance measures before and after the intervention. Interventions include 20-minute VR sessions designed to mimic exercise and 20-minute cycling sessions as an active intervention comparator. The team will measure changes in protein expression linked to exercise adaptations and objective endurance performance metrics. Participants are balanced by sex and must meet specific glucose and blood pressure criteria, with exclusions for high BMI, certain medications, current exercise programs, or intolerance to VR.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a way for people who cannot exercise to gain some of the molecular and endurance benefits of exercise.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical fruit fly work and small human pilot data show VR can raise heart rate and adrenergic markers, but this is the first trial to test whether repeated VR exposure produces durable exercise-like molecular and endurance adaptations in humans.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Equal numbers male and female (32 each) 2. Blood glucose HbA1C: 5.7-6.4% or 100-125 mg/dL 3. BP: systolic\<120 and diastolic\<80 mmHg, systolic 120-129 mmHg and diastolic \<80 mmHg, or systolic \>130 mmHg and diastolic \>80 mmHg Exclusion Criteria: 1. BMI\>35kg/m2 2. Currently involved in an exercise program or similar activity 3. Taking medications that could affect results, including beta-blockers or SSRIs 4. Demonstrate any form of discomfort with the VR experience through self-reported feelings of anxiety or nausea 5. Alcohol consumption above a minimal level(\<2 oz/night) 6. BP: Systolic \>160 mmHg and Diastolic \>110 mmHg
Where it's running
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Wayne State University
Detroit, Michigan, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Robert J Wessells, PhD — Wayne State University
- Study coordinator: Alyson Sujkowski, PhD
- Email: asujkows@med.wayne.edu
- Phone: 419-461-4317
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.