Virtual nature vs guided imagery for anxiety and well-being in hospitalized older 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 randomized, two-arm trial compares immersive virtual reality nature exposure to guided imagery in older adults during hospitalization. All participants undergo a pre-randomization observation period under usual care to establish a personal baseline, then receive three intervention sessions over two weeks. Outcomes include measures of anxiety, mood, and well-being, with heart rate variability as a physiological marker. The study is conducted at two Semmelweis University sites in Budapest and uses the same nature themes and settings across both arms. No follow-up assessment is planned after the intervention period.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged 65 years or older
* Receiving inpatient hospital care, with at least two weeks of hospitalisation at the time of enrolment
* Montreal Cognitive Assessment (Hungarian version) score of 18 or above, with education correction
* Physically able to safely wear a head-mounted virtual reality display
* Adequate corrected or uncorrected vision and hearing
* Able to communicate in Hungarian
* Stable psychiatric and cardiovascular condition, as determined from medical history and in consultation with the treating physician
* Able to provide independent written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Epilepsy with recurrent seizures, or photosensitivity
* Neurological condition associated with increased risk during virtual reality use, including Meniere's disease and significant carotid stenosis
* Active psychosis, hallucinations, or severe depression with psychotic features
* Open wound or skin lesion on the face, chronic neck pain, or spinal condition preventing safe use of the head-mounted display
* Severe uncorrectable sensory impairment
* Unstable psychotropic medication during the preceding eight weeks
* Regular use of analgesic or psychotropic medication that may substantially affect perception of the experience
* Active alcohol or substance use disorder within the past year
* Refusal or inability to provide informed consent

Enrolment is deferred, rather than excluded, in the presence of active delirium or infectious illness, until the condition resolves.

Where it's running

• Semmelweis University, Department of Geriatrics and Nursing Science
  Budapest, Hungary Recruiting
• Semmelweis University, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine
  Budapest, Hungary Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Xenia Gonda, MA, PharmD, PhD — Semmelweis University, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
• Study coordinator: Patricia Lajko, MA
• Email: lajko.patricia@semmelweis.hu
• Phone: +36309874988

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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.