Virtual reality-guided treadmill training to improve balance, mobility, and thinking in older adults
Official title: Toward Healthy Living: Virtual Reality-Infused Treadmill Training on Aging-Related Outcomes
Run by The University of Texas at Arlington · NCT06727942 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will see if adding virtual-reality games to self-paced treadmill exercise helps older adults (up to 75) improve balance, mobility, thinking, quality of life, and lower markers of inflammation and fall risk.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The University of Texas at Arlington Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Arlington, Texas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 10, 2022 |
| Main results expected | August 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | August 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | May 29, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06727942 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are community-dwelling adults up to 75 years old who can walk independently without assistive devices, speak English, and have no major orthopedic, cardiac, or diagnosed neurodegenerative conditions.
✕Probably not a fit
People with significant mobility limitations, use of a wheelchair, ongoing orthopedic or uncontrolled cardiovascular problems, or diagnosed motor/cognitive disorders (for example Alzheimer's or Parkinson's) are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized, controlled trial will compare a 5-week V-TARGET program (self-paced treadmill sessions augmented by virtual-reality rehabilitation games) to an active control of self-paced treadmill exercise without VR. Participants will attend two 30-minute sessions per week for a total of 10 sessions, with repeated measures taken at baseline, post-intervention, and one-month follow-up. Primary outcomes include motor function (balance/mobility and fall rate), cognitive function (working memory and executive function), and health-related quality of life; secondary outcomes include circulating inflammatory markers. The trial enrolls community-dwelling adults up to age 75 who can walk independently and speak English.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the intervention could improve balance and cognitive function, reduce fall risk, and enhance quality of life for participating older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous rehabilitation and exercise studies—including VR-based neurorehabilitation—have shown promising motor-cognitive benefits, but the specific combination of self-paced treadmill exercise with VR games for fall prevention remains relatively novel and under-tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. adults aged up to 75 years old 2. able to walk independently, without use of an assistive device 3. English speaking Exclusion Criteria: 1. self-disclosed limited mobility in joint(s) due to arthritis or other condition that would prevent participation 2. any ongoing orthopedic injury 3. cardiac surgery or any ongoing cardiovascular issues preventing participation or physical activity. 4. motor/cognitive disorders (Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, dementia, etc.) 5. use of a wheelchair
Where it's running
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University of Texas at Arlington Movement & Physical Activity Epidemiology Laboratory
Arlington, Texas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Xiangli Gu — University of Texas at Arlington
- Study coordinator: Associate Professor
- Email: xiangli.gu@uta.edu
- Phone: 817-272-3318
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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.