Virtual Reality Gaming for HIV-Related Health Prevention

(LEARN Trial)

Overseen By Principal Investigator

Age: 18+

Sex: Male

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Yale University

Disqualifiers: Myocardial infarction, Congestive heart failure, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores the use of virtual reality gaming to help prevent health issues related to HIV, such as heart and metabolic problems. Participants will either begin the game immediately or join later to learn about preventing these conditions. The trial seeks individuals who identify as ethnic or racial minorities, are gay or same-gender-loving, have HIV, and can use a computer for gaming. Those with a history of severe heart or brain issues cannot participate. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could improve health outcomes for people with HIV.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that this virtual environment is safe for HIV-related health prevention?

Research has shown that digital games, including those using virtual reality (VR), are generally safe for health prevention. Studies have found that VR activities can positively affect mental and physical health. Therefore, people using VR for health education, as in this trial, are unlikely to experience significant harm.

VR games in healthcare have helped people adhere to treatment plans and improve recovery, indicating they are well-received. Overall, VR gaming is considered a safe way to learn about health topics, making it a promising tool for preventing HIV-related conditions. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using virtual reality gaming for HIV-related health prevention because it offers a unique, interactive way to learn about preventing cardiovascular and metabolic conditions. Unlike traditional educational methods, this approach immerses participants in a virtual environment, making the learning process engaging and potentially more effective. This innovative method could enhance knowledge retention and motivate healthier lifestyle choices, leading to better health outcomes for people living with HIV.

What evidence suggests that this virtual environment is effective for preventing HIV-related comorbidities?

Research has shown that digital games, including virtual reality, can improve health habits and support learning. This trial will explore their potential in understanding and preventing HIV-related health issues, such as heart and metabolic problems. Participants in the immediate intervention group will engage in an online game to learn about these prevention strategies. Video games and virtual reality could also promote sexual health and prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, limited data exists on their effectiveness specifically for preventing HIV. These games aim to make learning enjoyable and encourage healthier habits. While promising, further studies are needed to confirm their effectiveness in this area. ^{2 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

S. Raquel Ramos, PhD, MBA, MSN, FNP-BC

Principal Investigator

Yale University School of Nursing

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for gay, same-gender-loving, or MSM individuals who are ethnic/racial minorities with HIV. Participants must understand English and have a computer to run the virtual environment software. They should not have had serious heart or brain events or cognitive impairments.

Inclusion Criteria

I have no history of serious heart or brain health issues.

Able to read and understand English

Identify as an ethnic/racial minority with HIV

Exclusion Criteria

History of cognitive impairment

I have never had a heart attack.

I have had a heart bypass surgery.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Immediate Intervention

Participants enter an online game and learn about how to prevent cardiovascular and metabolic conditions

3 months

Online participation

Waitlist Control

Participants enter an online game at a later date and learn about how to prevent cardiovascular and metabolic conditions

3 months

Online participation

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in health behaviors and perceptions after the intervention

6 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Gaming in a virtual environment

Trial Overview The study tests a virtual gaming environment aimed at preventing cardiovascular diseases in people living with HIV. It explores whether this innovative approach can improve health outcomes compared to traditional methods.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Waitlist Control Group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will enter an online game at a later date after the immediate intervention group and learn about how to prevent cardiovascular and metabolic conditions.

Group II: Immediate Intervention Group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will enter an online game and learn about how to prevent cardiovascular and metabolic conditions.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Yale University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,963

Recruited

3,046,000+

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

Collaborator

Trials

3,987

Recruited

47,860,000+

Citations

1. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-cardiovascular-diseases-3-2022-0632b

Virtual Reality Gaming for HIV-Related Health Prevention ... Research shows that digital games, including those using virtual reality, can effectively improve health behaviors and support education.

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8715511/

A Review of Recent HIV Prevention Interventions and ... In addition, there is a dearth of studies evaluating the efficacy, effectiveness, and cost effectiveness of using emerging technologies in HIV prevention ...

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11377913/

Perceptions of HIV-Related Comorbidities and Usability ... This study aims to explore perceptions of HIV-related comorbidities and assess the interest in and usability of a virtual environment for CVD prevention ...

4. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/318286372_The_future_of_digital_games_for_HIV_prevention_and_care

The future of digital games for HIV prevention and care Video games, gamification, and virtual reality have potential as tools for promoting sexual health and preventing STIs among immigrant and ...

5. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149763425002611

Beyond “just” fun: The role of exergames in advancing ... Serious exergames offer unique benefits beyond mere enjoyment for overall health. A comprehensive framework for developing evidence-informed exergames is ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5651998/

The Future of Digital Games for HIV Prevention and Care Digital games are rapidly becoming an important tool for improving health behaviors and supporting the delivery of care and education.

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7882463/

Impact of the recreational use of virtual reality on physical ... A growing body of research indicates that the engagement with virtual reality (VR) activities can have a positive impact on users' mental and physical ...

8. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/394135225_Virtual_Reality_Gaming_Applications_in_Healthcare

(PDF) Virtual Reality Gaming Applications in Healthcare The paper concludes that VR games in healthcare not only improve patient adherence and rehabilitation outcomes but also hold significant ...

9. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1054139X24003896

How Are Extended Reality Technologies Being Used for ... This scoping review provides an overview of XR in behavioral prevention and health promotion in childhood and adolescence.