Virtual Reality Games for Healthy Aging

No longer recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Édith Martin

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: TOPMED

Disqualifiers: Functional limitations, Cognitive impairments, Epilepsy, others

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

Approved in 3 Jurisdictions This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how virtual reality games can help older adults maintain health as they age. It examines the effects of these games on physical, cognitive, and social well-being, focusing on the needs and expectations of older adults. Participants will try both individual and multiplayer virtual reality games and provide feedback. Individuals aged 50 or older, without functional or cognitive limitations, and without a pacemaker may be suitable for this trial. As an unphased trial, participants have a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance well-being in aging through technology.

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

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

What prior data suggests that these virtual reality games are safe for older adults?

Research has shown that virtual reality (VR) games are generally safe for older adults. Studies suggest that VR can enhance their quality of life by improving physical health, mental abilities, and social connections. For instance, one study found that VR group activities encouraged older adults to be more active and engage more with others.

Although initial challenges, such as learning the technology, may arise, no major safety issues have been reported. Older adults generally handle VR games well. So far, no significant negative effects have been linked to VR use in older adults, making VR a promising way to improve their lives without major safety concerns. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using virtual reality (VR) games for healthy aging because they offer a fun and engaging way to potentially boost cognitive and social functions in older adults. Unlike traditional methods like puzzles or physical exercises, VR games provide immersive experiences that can stimulate the brain in novel ways. This trial is exploring both individual and multiplayer VR games, which could help enhance not just mental agility but also social interaction, giving a well-rounded approach to maintaining cognitive health as we age.

What evidence suggests that virtual reality games are effective for healthy aging?

Research has shown that virtual reality (VR) games can greatly benefit older adults. One study found that VR activities might surpass regular activities in improving mood and mental skills. Another study demonstrated that older adults find VR games easy to use and helpful for learning. VR has also improved physical health, balance, and reduced anxiety in older adults. Additionally, using VR can enhance overall quality of life by boosting both physical and mental health. This trial will explore two different approaches: one group will focus on individual VR games first, followed by multiplayer games, while another group will start with multiplayer games before moving to individual ones. These findings suggest that VR games could be a promising tool for supporting healthy aging. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals who are 50 years or older and interested in how virtual reality can support healthy aging. It's not suitable for those with functional limitations, cognitive impairments, epilepsy risks, non-autonomy, or a pacemaker.

Inclusion Criteria

You are 50 years or older.

Exclusion Criteria

Having functional limitations

Having cognitive impairments

Being at risk of epilepsy

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Preliminary Assessment

Participants complete a preliminary questionnaire about their activity habits and preferences

1 week

1 visit (virtual)

Intervention

Participants engage in individual or multiplayer virtual reality game trials followed by a post-trial discussion and questionnaire completion

2 weeks

Multiple sessions (virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in interest and perception of immersive activities

Immediately after intervention

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Virtual Reality Games

Trial Overview The study explores the impact of virtual reality games on physical, cognitive, and social health in older adults. Participants will answer questions about their habits and try out VR games to see if different modes affect their experience.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Multiplayer then individual games Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants of this group will conduct the sessions in the following order : Focus group about multiplayer virtual reality games then Focus group about individual virtual reality games.

Group II: Individual then multiplayer games Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants of this group will conduct the sessions in the following order : Focus group about individual virtual reality games then Focus group about multiplayer virtual reality games.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

TOPMED

Lead Sponsor

Trials

10

Recruited

290+

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, Canada

Collaborator

Trials

63

Recruited

3,000+

Fédération de l'Age D'Or du Québec

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

50+

Fédération Québécoise des Loisirs en Institution

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

50+

Conseil de recherches en sciences naturelles et en génie du Canada

Collaborator

Trials

3

Recruited

110+

SEC Fonds Immobilier Groupe Maurice

Collaborator

Trials

2

Recruited

100+

Published Research Related to This Trial

A 30-day virtual reality training program using Xbox 360 Kinect significantly improved balance and mobility in 23 elderly participants, as evidenced by enhanced scores in multiple functional tests, including the 6-minute walking test and Dynamic Gait Index.

The VR training not only improved physical performance but also reduced depressive symptoms, indicating that this innovative rehabilitation method can enhance both physical and mental well-being in fall-prone elderly individuals.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effectiveness of virtual reality training in reducing the risk of falls among elderly people. Kamińska, MS., Miller, A., Rotter, I., et al.[2022]

Virtual reality (VR) technology can effectively assess fall risk in elderly individuals by capturing stepping performance parameters, providing a more immersive and intuitive experience compared to traditional clinical tests.

Using interactive game technology as a cost-effective alternative to expensive clinical equipment allows for reliable fall risk measurement, enabling seniors to focus on their motor and cognitive functions during the assessment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Virtual Reality Game-Like Tool for Assessing the Risk of Falling in the Elderly. Garcia, JA.[2019]

Non-immersive virtual reality (VR) balance exercises significantly improve overall balance function in older adults, with a moderate to large effect size based on a meta-analysis of 25 studies.

The presence of avatars and knowledge of performance (KP) feedback during VR exercises enhances their effectiveness, particularly for static balance compared to gait improvement.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of non-immersive virtual reality exercises for balance and gait improvement in older adults: A meta-analysis. Park, JH., Jeon, HS., Kim, JH., et al.[2023]

Involving end users, such as therapists and rehabilitation clients, in the research and implementation of virtual reality (VR) and active video games (AVGs) can significantly improve the alignment of these technologies with their needs, potentially increasing clinical uptake.

The authors identified common benefits from user engagement, including enhanced buy-in from therapists and better technology integration, while also noting challenges in balancing technology capabilities with practical rehabilitation goals.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

End-user involvement in rehabilitation virtual reality implementation research. Proffitt, R., Glegg, S., Levac, D., et al.[2022]

Virtual reality (VR) rehabilitation systems can enhance human performance and health outcomes, with varying effects on postural stability, navigation tasks, and joint mobility depending on the level of immersion.

While the data on enjoyment and adherence to VR rehabilitation routines is limited, patients generally reported higher enjoyment and willingness to participate when VR was included in their care plans.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Immersion of virtual reality for rehabilitation - Review. Rose, T., Nam, CS., Chen, KB.[2018]

The study involving 24 older women (average age 70.5 years) demonstrated that a combined pelvic floor muscle exercises and virtual reality rehabilitation (PFM/VRR) program is feasible, with high participation and adherence rates (91% and 92% respectively).

Post-treatment results showed significant improvements in urinary incontinence symptoms and quality of life, with 91% of participants reporting high satisfaction with the program, indicating its potential as an effective treatment option for mixed urinary incontinence.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Virtual reality rehabilitation as a treatment approach for older women with mixed urinary incontinence: a feasibility study. Elliott, V., de Bruin, ED., Dumoulin, C.[2019]

The study involving 78 patients with brain injury found that immersive virtual reality (VR) training is safe, with no serious adverse events reported, although some patients experienced minor issues like dizziness.

Patients who adhered to the VR training (participating 3 or more times) reported higher satisfaction and perceived effectiveness in their recovery from upper limb paralysis compared to those who participated less frequently.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Safety and Potential Usability of Immersive Virtual Reality for Brain Rehabilitation: A Pilot Study. Lim, I., Cha, B., Cho, DR., et al.[2023]

In a study with 40 participants, both a motion-controlled video game and a sterile version led to similar improvements in learning, suggesting that engagement through game mechanics may not enhance learning outcomes as previously thought.

A significant relationship was found between self-reported engagement and the early-P3a component of brain activity, indicating that higher engagement levels are associated with more efficient information processing, as evidenced by reduced attentional reserve.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Relationship Between Engagement and Neurophysiological Measures of Attention in Motion-Controlled Video Games: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Leiker, AM., Miller, M., Brewer, L., et al.[2020]

A systematic review of 14 studies on the use of virtual reality and gaming systems by older adults found that while there is potential for these technologies to promote physical activity, the overall evidence for their effectiveness is weak due to low study quality and high risk of bias.

Feasibility of using VR/gaming systems was reported with good retention and adherence rates, but concerns about initial assistance, monitoring exertion, and risks of musculoskeletal symptoms and falls were noted, indicating the need for careful implementation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness and feasibility of virtual reality and gaming system use at home by older adults for enabling physical activity to improve health-related domains: a systematic review. Miller, KJ., Adair, BS., Pearce, AJ., et al.[2018]

Stakeholders, including adolescents, parents, and community partners, expressed strong support for using the PlayForward videogame as an effective tool to teach important topics like sex, alcohol, and drugs, which are often neglected in educational settings.

The study identified that while stakeholders found the game acceptable, they also suggested the need for supplementary materials, such as manuals and discussion questions, to enhance its implementation in real-world environments like after-school programs.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

If We Build It, Will They Come? A Qualitative Study of Key Stakeholder Opinions on the Implementation of a Videogame Intervention for Risk Reduction in Adolescents. Pendergrass, TM., Hieftje, K., Crusto, CA., et al.[2023]

Virtual reality games have been shown to significantly improve balance and reduce fear of falling in elderly participants compared to no intervention, based on a review of 28 studies involving 1121 elderly individuals.

When compared to conventional therapy, virtual reality games were more effective in enhancing balance and mobility, although the overall evidence is inconclusive due to high risk of bias and variability in study protocols.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Do virtual reality games improve mobility skills and balance measurements in community-dwelling older adults? Systematic review and meta-analysis. Neri, SG., Cardoso, JR., Cruz, L., et al.[2019]

Videogame technology is increasingly being used in health care, particularly for rehabilitation in older adults after strokes or falls, highlighting its potential to improve independence.

The review emphasizes the need for a game classification system to ensure that videogames are suitable for the physical, cognitive, and social needs of older adults and those with disabilities, which could enhance their effectiveness in rehabilitation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Interactive Videogame Technologies to Support Independence in the Elderly: A Narrative Review. Marston, HR., Smith, ST.[2015]

The mobile game-based VR rehabilitation program (MoU-Rehab) significantly improved upper extremity function in stroke patients compared to conventional therapy, as measured by the Fugl-Meyer Assessment and other metrics.

The program was well-tolerated with no adverse effects reported, and patients expressed high satisfaction, indicating its feasibility as a rehabilitation tool for upper limb recovery after ischemic stroke.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mobile game-based virtual reality rehabilitation program for upper limb dysfunction after ischemic stroke. Choi, YH., Ku, J., Lim, H., et al.[2019]

Citations

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Virtual Reality Gaming and Its Impact and Effectiveness in ... These findings suggest that VR-based interventions may be more effective than standard activities in enhancing EHC and AC. The results confirm ...

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

A virtual reality game for older adults' immersive learning Findings revealed positive feedback on the VR game's effectiveness in facilitating learning among older adults, including ease of use and ...

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

Effectiveness of Immersive Virtual Reality Simulation ... VR with HMDs improved physical and psychological outcomes in older adults, including balance, gait, reduced anxiety, and overall well-being.

4. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12399340/

The Effect of Immersion Technology on the Quality of Life ... Immersive technologies, especially virtual reality (VR), significantly improve the quality of life for older adults by enhancing physical health, cognitive ...

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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.

6. arxiv.org arxiv.org/html/2506.22932v1

Immersive Technologies and Elderly Users: Current use, ... XR offers a unique way to engage older adults, providing them with opportunities for cognitive stimulation, physical rehabilitation, and social interaction.

7. games.jmir.org games.jmir.org/2024/1/e50796/

Impact of Virtual Reality–Based Group Activities on Activity ... In this study, we examined whether VR-based group activities can have a positive impact on activity level and group interaction among older adults living in ...