VR Physical Activity Intervention for Enhancing Well-Being in Older Adults

(VESPA Trial)

Overseen By Kyle Kershner, BS

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Wake Forest University

Disqualifiers: Coronary heart disease, Cancer, Epilepsy, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Approved in 1 Jurisdiction This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 4 weeks

30 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if virtual reality (VR) can help older adults stay active by making exercise more engaging and social. Participants will use either VR (virtual reality therapy) or video conferencing to join group exercise sessions, and the study will compare which method better increases overall physical activity. It seeks individuals who exercise less than 30 minutes on most days, have access to a VR space at home, and are open to using technology like VR headsets and social media. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative ways to enhance exercise routines and social connections.

Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that this VR intervention is safe for older adults?

Research shows that virtual reality (VR) can be safe for older adults. Studies suggest that VR might enhance their physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being. For example, one study found that older adults using VR experienced less anxiety and depression.

Another study examined VR games and found they could help train the brain in older adults. Although challenges exist, such as making the technology more user-friendly for seniors, research indicates that VR is generally well-received and has few negative effects.

In short, evidence supports that VR is safe for older adults and could be a useful tool for improving their well-being. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using virtual reality (VR) to boost well-being in older adults because it offers a unique way to engage participants in physical activity. Unlike traditional exercise programs, VR can create immersive, engaging environments that make physical activity more enjoyable and less monotonous. This approach has the potential to increase participation and improve adherence to exercise routines. Additionally, VR can be tailored to individual needs and capabilities, offering a personalized experience that might lead to better outcomes compared to standard exercise methods.

What evidence suggests that this VR intervention is effective for enhancing well-being in older adults?

Research has shown that virtual reality (VR), one of the treatments in this trial, can significantly increase physical activity and improve overall well-being in older adults. Studies have found that VR programs using headsets enhance physical, emotional, mental, and social health. Additionally, VR therapy improved balance and walking in healthy older adults more effectively than standard care. This suggests that VR could be a useful tool to encourage more physical activity among older people. By creating an engaging and immersive experience, VR might help overcome challenges like access and motivation that often prevent older adults from being active. Another treatment arm in this trial uses video conference software as an active comparator. ^{1 3 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Jason Fanning, PhD

Principal Investigator

Wake Forest University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

The VESPA Pilot Study is for adults aged 45-80 with a BMI of 30-45, who are not very active and have their doctor's consent to participate. They must be able to use VR in a safe space at home, speak English, access the internet via computer or smartphone, and have an 'Activity buddy'. People using walking aids, with significant hearing/vision issues, recent serious health conditions like heart disease or cancer, uncontrolled hypertension or severe depression cannot join.

Inclusion Criteria

You need to score at least 32 on a test called TICS-M that measures cognitive abilities over the phone.

Have a clear "VR space" (7'x7' object-free space)

I am between 45 and 80 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

I am not willing to use a virtual reality headset.

You are unable to participate in physical exercise.

I have been diagnosed with or have a history of photosensitive epilepsy.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants engage in a group-mediated physical activity intervention delivered via virtual reality or video conference

4 weeks

Weekly virtual sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in physical activity and social relatedness

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Video Conference
• Virtual Reality

Trial Overview This study tests if virtual reality (VR) can help older adults exercise more compared to standard video calls. Participants will do group physical activities through VR aiming to see if it's feasible and enjoyable while checking its effect on their overall activity levels versus those who just use video conferencing for similar exercises.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Virtual Reality Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants engage in intervention procedures using virtual reality software.

Group II: Video Conference Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants engage in intervention procedures using video conference software.

Virtual Reality is already approved in United States for the following indications:

Approved in United States as Virtual Reality Therapy for:

• Functional Dyspepsia
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Gastroparesis

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Wake Forest University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

193

Recruited

151,000+

Wells Fargo Faculty Scholar Endowment

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

30+

Citations

1. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876139924000859

Effectiveness of Immersive Virtual Reality Simulation ... This systematic review of RCTs demonstrates that VR simulation programs using HMDs significantly enhance physical activity and overall well-being in older ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8832624/

Virtual reality and well-being in older adults The findings from this pilot implementation reveal that VR shows potential to enhance the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being of older adults ...

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10815791/

Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Therapy on Balance and ... Virtual reality therapy is more effective than minimal intervention or usual care in enhancing static balance, dynamic balance, and gait in healthy elderly ...

4. nature.com nature.com/articles/s41598-025-07354-2

A virtual reality game for older adults' immersive learning This article presents a feasibility study that assessed the effectiveness of a virtual reality (VR) game in training older adults' cognitive ...

5. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0163834325000544

Review article The effectiveness of immersive virtual reality ... IVR has the potential to improve the psychological health of older adults and may be widely applicable in promoting successful aging.

6. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1568163725001175

Immersive virtual reality for older adults: Challenges and ... In this narrative review, we examine the challenges older adults face with IVR and explore strategies to optimize its design for this population.

7. medscimonit.com medscimonit.com/abstract/full/idArt/948321

Immersive Virtual Reality Therapy for Elderly Female ... RESULTS: The experimental group showed significant improvements in psychological outcomes, with a 53% reduction in overall HADS scores and a 43% ...

8. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/virtual-reality/articles/10.3389/frvir.2025.1502450/full

Virtual reality as a possible aged care technology VR has had promising results regarding the mental health of older adults. A scoping review found that function-oriented VR interventions tended to improve the ...