Virtual reality intervention for improving brain health in older adults

Interventions to Promote Brain Health Virtual Reality Study

Not applicable Interventional University of California, San Diego · NCT06124339

This study is testing whether a virtual reality program that mixes physical and mental activities can help improve brain health in older adults aged 50 to 85.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages50 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of California, San Diego Academic / other
Locations1 site (San Diego, California)
Trial IDNCT06124339 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial at UC San Diego aims to evaluate the effects of a virtual reality-based intervention that combines physical and cognitive activities on brain health in older adults. Participants aged 50-85 will engage in one of three types of interventions: physical activity, VR cognitive activity, or a combination of both over a 16-week period. The study will assess changes in physical and cognitive health to determine the effectiveness of these interventions in enhancing brain function and overall well-being.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults aged 50-85 who are fluent in English and can safely ride a stationary bike.

Not a fit: Patients with dementia, severe sensory deficits, or those unable to perform the intervention will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve cognitive function and overall brain health in older adults.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of virtual reality in cognitive interventions is emerging, this specific combination of physical and cognitive activities in older adults is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. 50-85 years of age
2. Fluent in English
3. Can safely ride a stationary bike

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Dementia
2. History of a neurological disorder
3. Severe sensory deficits
4. Inability to perform intervention (e.g., inability to cycle safely)
5. Contraindications to MRI scan (e.g., pacemaker)
6. Fear of needles/ blood
7. Prior history of fainting due to sight of needles of blood

Where this trial is running

San Diego, California

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions AgingAging ProblemsMemory LossMemory ImpairmentMemory Disorders in Old AgeMemory Disorder, SpatialMemory DisordersMild Cognitive Impairment
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.