Immersive Nature-Based Wellbeing Program in Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment

NCT07802392 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: DDS027/24/000611
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 230
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study aims to evaluate an immersive virtual reality program designed to support cognitive and emotional well-being in older adults with mild to moderate cognitive impairment. The program uses nature-based environments combined with mindfulness, cognitive stimulation, and breathing techniques. The goal is to determine whether immersive virtual reality can be a safe and effective tool to improve well-being and support active and healthy aging. The study will be conducted in two phases. In the first phase, virtual environments will be tested in healthy participants using behavioral and physiological measures. In the second phase, 200 older adults with cognitive impairment from day care centers and residential facilities will participate in a group-based immersive virtual reality intervention consisting of 10 sessions. Researchers will assess changes in cognitive function, emotional wellbeing, daily functioning, and quality of life before and after the intervention.

Conditions

Cognitive Dysfunction

Keywords

Immersive Virtual Reality; Cognitive Impairment; Older Adults; Well-being; Quality of Life; Blue and Green Spaces; Cognitive Stimulation

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Change in cognitive function (verbal fluency and Digit Span tests)

  Cognitive function is assessed using verbal fluency tasks and Digit Span tests (forward and backward). Verbal fluency evaluates language and executive function by measuring the number of words generated under specific conditions. Digit Span forward assesses attention, while Digit Span backward assesses working memory. Higher scores indicate better cognitive performance.

  Baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately post-intervention (1 week)

Secondary Outcomes (6)

• Change in anxiety symptoms (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale [GAD-7])

  Baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately post-intervention (1 week)

• Short-form Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-SF)

  Baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately post-intervention (1 week)

• Change in positive and negative affect (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule-10 [PANAS-10])

  Baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately post-intervention (1 week)

• Change in loneliness (UCLA Loneliness Scale, UCLA-10)

  Baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately post-intervention (1 week)

• Change in quality of life (EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level questionnaire [EQ-5D-5L])

  Baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately post-intervention (1 week)

Other Outcomes (3)

• Perceived immersion during virtual reality sessions (Self-Assessment Manikin, SAM)

  At the end of virtual reality sessions 4, 7, and 10, during the 1-week intervention period.

• Participant satisfaction with immersive virtual reality sessions

  At the end of virtual reality sessions 4, 7, and 10, during the 1-week intervention period.

• Intervention adherence based on session attendance and completion rates

  At the end of each intervention day: Day 1 (after session 4), Day 2 (after session 7), and Day 3 (after session 10).

Study Arms (1)

Immersive virtual reality intervention

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants receive a group-based immersive virtual reality intervention consisting of 10 sessions using nature-based environments combined with mindfulness, cognitive stimulation, and breathing techniques.

Device: Immersive virtual reality program

Interventions

Immersive virtual reality program DEVICE

Participants receive an immersive virtual reality intervention using nature-based environments. The program consists of 10 group sessions that combine mindfulness, cognitive stimulation, and breathing techniques to promote cognitive and emotional well-being.

Immersive virtual reality intervention

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 65 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Age ≥ 65 years
• Diagnosis of mild or moderate cognitive impairment
• Ability to understand study procedures and follow instructions
• Ability to provide informed consent (or consent provided by a legal representative)
• Attendance at participating day care centers or residential facilities (Phase 2)
• For Phase 1: healthy adults without cognitive impairment

You may not qualify if:

• Severe cognitive impairment or diagnosis of advanced dementia
• Severe visual, auditory, or motor impairments that prevent use of virtual reality
• Neurological or psychiatric conditions that may interfere with participation
• History of epilepsy or conditions contraindicating virtual reality exposure
• Severe behavioral disturbances or agitation
• Participation in other clinical studies that may interfere with results

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa: lead
• Suara Serveis SCCL: collaborator

Study Sites (1)

Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa

Terrassa, Barcelona, 08227, Spain

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Cognitive Dysfunction

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Cognition Disorders; Neurocognitive Disorders; Mental Disorders

Central Study Contacts

Maite Garolera, PhD

CONTACT

+34937310007; mgarolera@cst.cat

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: NA
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: PREVENTION
• Intervention Model: SINGLE GROUP
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Chief of the Neuropsychological Unit and Director of the Brain, Cognition, and Behavior Research Group

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: April 29, 2026
• First Posted: September 3, 2026
• Study Start: March 31, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): November 1, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): December 1, 2026
• Last Updated: September 3, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-05

Locations

ES (1)