Using virtual reality to trigger exercise-like responses in sedentary adults
VR Stimulation of Exercise Response in Sedentary Humans
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 48 (estimated) |
| Ages | 25 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Wayne State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Detroit, Michigan) |
| Trial ID | NCT07296991 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Detroit, Michigan
- 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
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.