Interactive Nature-Based Virtual Reality to Reduce Anxiety, Low Mood, and Feelings of Helplessnes… (NCT07712549) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Interactive Nature-Based Virtual Reality to Reduce Anxiety, Low Mood, and Feelings of Helplessness in Hospitalized Older Adults With Chronic Illness (Zenctuary VR+)
Hungary100 participantsStarted 2026-11-01
Plain-language summary
Prolonged hospitalization can reduce opportunities for independent activity, choice, and control and may contribute to passivity, low mood, anxiety, and distress in some older adults. Zenctuary VR+ is a seated, nature-based virtual reality program that combines calming environments with simple, low-demand activities. The active program allows participants to make choices, move between predefined locations, and influence elements of the virtual environment. Trained staff supervise every session and provide support when needed.
The trial evaluates whether the interactive version of Zenctuary VR+ reduces psychological distress more than passive exposure to the same virtual environments. A total of 100 hospitalized adults aged 60 years or older will be randomly assigned to the interactive VR condition or the passive VR condition. Eligible participants are expected to remain hospitalized for at least four weeks following enrolment. Both groups will receive six sessions over three weeks. Psychological distress and related psychological factors will be assessed before the first session, immediately after the three-week intervention period, and four weeks after the final session.
Who can participate
Age range
60 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Aged 60 years or older
* Diagnosed with at least one chronic medical condition
* Currently receiving inpatient hospital care
* Expected to remain hospitalized for at least four weeks following enrolment
* Physically able to use a head-mounted virtual reality device, as determined by the treating clinical team
* Able to provide written informed consent
* Able to complete study assessments and participate in the intervention procedures
Exclusion Criteria:
* Cognitive impairment, defined as a score below 18 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
* Impaired consciousness or reduced alertness that would prevent meaningful participation
* Current or previous diagnosis of a psychotic disorder
* Current substance use disorder that would interfere with participation in the study procedures
* Current treatment with antipsychotic medication
* Untreated epilepsy
* Severe vestibular dysfunction or recurrent vertigo
* Any medical condition judged by the treating physician to make participation unsafe or inappropriate
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Change From Baseline in Psychological Distress as Measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale Total Score
Timeframe: Baseline; immediately after completion of the three-week intervention period; and four weeks after the final intervention session