Recruiting

Bringing the Outdoors In: Virtual Nature Walks for Depression in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Patients

ClinicalTrials.gov IDNCT07392879

PhaseNA

Enrollment40

SponsorUniversity of Michigan

Age18 Years

SexALL

I'm interested View official listing

Conditions studied

Progressive Multiple Sclerosis, Depression

About this study

This trial explores the use of immersive virtual reality (VR) nature-based experiences as a supplementary treatment for depression in individuals with progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). This study will evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of at-home VR deployment using the Apple Vision Pro, an advanced device that offers enhanced resolution, immersion, and usability compared to earlier VR systems. The study hypotheses include: * The integration of VR nature-based experiences with standard care will be feasible, acceptable, and will result in greater reductions in depressive symptoms compared to standard care or VR-only interventions. * The integration of VR nature-based experiences with standard care will result in greater reductions in stress and anxiety, better sleep, less insomnia, and improved fatigue compared to standard care alone or VR-only interventions.

Interventions

Device: Virtual Reality — Participant will have 8 weeks of immersive VR nature-based experiences. Participants are expected to use the VR headset three times per week. Headsets will contain a prototype application (app) developed by Explore POV. This app will include approximately one hour of footage showcasing 15-25 different nature experiences, that will shuffle every time participants access it. Participants will have the option to choose between 5, 10, or 15 minutes, sessions while answering weekly surveys regarding their experiences.
Other: Standard care — Participants that are in the randomized groups will continue on antidepressants or psychotherapy during the study per their standard care. Participants in the non-randomized group don't receive any treatment for their depression and will continue not to receive anything for this during the study.

Primary outcomes

Changes to the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Depression short form 8b scores (Baseline, 9-10 weeks and 20-21 weeks)
Virtual Reality (VR) Sessions completed over 8 weeks (8-week VR intervention)
Qualitative feedback on the VR Neuroscience Questionnaire during the intervention (groups 1 and 3) (1-8 weeks (during VR))
Qualitative feedback with Semi-structured interviews for participants that received VR (Weeks 9-10, Weeks 20- 21)
Enrollment rate (Recruitment period (2 years))
Retention rates (Baseline - 21 weeks)
Adherence to VR intervention (8-week VR intervention)
Dropout reasons (Baseline - 21 weeks)

Eligibility information

Inclusion Criteria: * Confirmed diagnosis of progressive Multiple Sclerosis (MS, primary or secondary) by a neurologist or an MS center * Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Depression T-scores \>55 at baseline * Ability to provide informed consent and participate in VR sessions at home * For Some Participants (Groups 1 and 2) currently receiving antidepressant or psychotherapy treatments (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), or psychotherapy) for the management of depression Exclusion Criteria: * Severe cognitive impairments or visual deficits that may interfere with VR use, including contraindications like agoraphobia, claustrophobia, or motion sickness * Current participation in other clinical trials targeting depression * Severe psychiatric conditions that require hospitalization, or suicidal ideation, passive or active, psychosis, or active substance and alcohol abuse (score greater than 1 on CAGE (Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye-opener) Adapted to Include Drugs (CAGE-AID)) * Another neurological or autoimmune disease per protocol * Participants that require vision correction, unless that vision correction is mild (± 1), or the participant has prescription contact lenses.

Study locations

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109 United States

Before you participate: Varda Clinical is an independent discovery tool, not the study sponsor or a medical provider. Eligibility can only be determined by the official study team. Discuss potential risks and benefits with a qualified healthcare professional.

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov. Record last refreshed by Varda Clinical: 2026-09-27.