Virtual nature walks for depression in progressive multiple sclerosis

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 interventional study delivers immersive VR nature experiences on the Apple Vision Pro to people with progressive MS and elevated depressive symptoms, comparing VR plus usual care, VR alone, and usual care alone. Participants complete at-home sessions while researchers measure feasibility, acceptability, and changes in depression, stress, anxiety, sleep, insomnia, and fatigue using PROMIS and other patient-reported measures. The trial emphasizes remote deployment and usability testing of a high-resolution consumer headset to overcome mobility barriers common in progressive MS. Outcomes will compare symptom change and adherence across groups to see if combining VR with current therapies provides greater benefit.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Confirmed diagnosis of progressive Multiple Sclerosis (MS, primary or secondary) by a neurologist or an MS center
* Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Depression T-scores \>55 at baseline
* Ability to provide informed consent and participate in VR sessions at home
* For Some Participants (Groups 1 and 2) currently receiving antidepressant or psychotherapy treatments (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), or psychotherapy) for the management of depression

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe cognitive impairments or visual deficits that may interfere with VR use, including contraindications like agoraphobia, claustrophobia, or motion sickness
* Current participation in other clinical trials targeting depression
* Severe psychiatric conditions that require hospitalization, or suicidal ideation, passive or active, psychosis, or active substance and alcohol abuse (score greater than 1 on CAGE (Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye-opener) Adapted to Include Drugs (CAGE-AID))
* Another neurological or autoimmune disease per protocol
* Participants that require vision correction, unless that vision correction is mild (± 1), or the participant has prescription contact lenses.

Where it's running

• University of Michigan
  Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Hala Darwish, PhD — University of Michigan
• Study coordinator: Zee Petrie
• Email: petrieli@umich.edu
• Phone: 734- 764- 5249

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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.