Virtual forest mindfulness for pregnant women
Official title: Evaluating the Effects of an Integrated Virtual Forest Environment and Mindfulness-Based Intervention on Mental Health in Perinatal Women
Run by National Taiwan University Hospital · NCT07606248 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A randomized trial tests whether a VR forest mindfulness program helps improve mental health for pregnant women around 20–24 weeks of gestation, compared with standard mindfulness training.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | National Taiwan University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hsinchu) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 16, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | August 18, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07606248 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Pregnant women aged 18 or older, ≤25 weeks gestation, able to consent, and fluent in Chinese.
✕Probably not a fit
Women with epilepsy, severe anxiety/depression requiring intensive treatment, intolerance to VR, or other conditions preventing mindfulness or VR participation may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study compares two mindfulness approaches during pregnancy: a virtual reality forest environment plus mindfulness practice versus conventional mindfulness alone. Participants are pregnant adults under 25 weeks gestation who are randomized to one of the two 9-week programs and receive app-based practice. The trial will assess feasibility and effects on perinatal anxiety and depression, as well as related maternal well-being. Participants must communicate in Chinese and be able to consent, with several safety and accessibility exclusions related to VR and severe psychiatric conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the VR forest mindfulness program could offer a more engaging option to reduce perinatal distress and improve maternal well-being.
How similar studies have gone: Prior mindfulness programs have shown benefits in perinatal mental health, but the added value of VR forest environments is still being explored.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Pregnant women aged 18 years or older * Gestational age below 25 weeks at recruitment * Able to communicate in Chinese and provide informed consent * Willing to participate in the study and complete follow-up assessments Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed epilepsy, photosensitive epilepsy, or other neurological disorders * Severe anxiety, depression, or other psychiatric disorders currently receiving intensive treatment * History of severe adverse reactions to virtual reality devices, including severe dizziness, nausea, or visual discomfort * Inability to participate in mindfulness or VR intervention proceduresriteria: Exclusion Criteria: \-
Where it's running
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National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch BioMedical Park Hospital
Hsinchu, Taiwan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: HUNG-HUI CHEN, PhD — National Taiwan University Hospital
- Study coordinator: HUNG-HUI CHEN, PhD
- Email: hunghuichen@ntu.edu.tw
- Phone: 886-2-2394-7109
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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.