A Randomized Controlled Trial of a VR Social Music-Movement Exergame for Depression and Anxiety in Young Adults (VR-MOVE)

Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Status: Begins enrollment this month

Conditions: Depression; Anxiety

Treatments: Behavioral: VR solo musical exergame; Behavioral: VR social musical exergame; Other: Waitlist control

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07482852

VR-SDT-RCT-2026

Details and patient eligibility

About

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a virtual reality (VR) music-movement exergaming intervention for improving social connectedness and psychological well-being among young adults. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) a VR social music-movement exergame group, (2) a VR solo exergame group without social interaction, and (3) a waitlist control group. The intervention integrates rhythmic movement, music-based interaction, and immersive VR environments to promote engagement and social connection. Primary outcomes include changes in depressive symptoms, anxiety, and social connectedness. Secondary outcomes include psychological need satisfaction and physical fitness indicators. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up. The study will provide evidence on the potential benefits of immersive VR-based exergaming interventions for mental health and social well-being in young adults.

Full description

This study is a randomized controlled trial designed to examine the effects of a virtual reality (VR) music-movement exergaming intervention on social connectedness and psychological well-being in young adults. Participants aged 18-25 years will be recruited and randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) a VR social music-movement exergame group that allows interaction with peers in a shared virtual environment, (2) a VR solo exergame group with identical physical activity and music elements but without social interaction, and (3) a waitlist control group receiving a digital health handbook.

The intervention integrates rhythmic body movement, music-based interaction, and immersive VR environments to enhance engagement and psychological need satisfaction. The theoretical framework of the study is informed by Self-Determination Theory, focusing on the roles of autonomy, competence, and relatedness in promoting mental well-being.

Primary outcomes include depressive symptoms, anxiety levels, and perceived social connectedness. Secondary outcomes include psychological need satisfaction and physical fitness indicators. Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline (T0), post-intervention (T1), and one-month follow-up (T2).

The results of this trial are expected to provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of VR-based exergaming interventions for promoting mental health and social well-being in young adults.

Enrollment: 130 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 25 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Aged 18 to 25 years
• Meeting criteria for mild to moderate depression (BDI-II score 14-28) or anxiety (BAI score 8-25)
• Able to understand the study procedures and provide informed consent
• Willing to participate in the VR intervention and complete all assessments

Exclusion criteria

• Diagnosis of severe mental illness (e.g., psychosis or severe psychiatric disorders)

  • Severe motion sickness or intolerance to virtual reality
  • Currently receiving structured psychotherapy or psychological intervention
  • Any medical condition that would prevent safe participation in moderate physical activity

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

---

130 participants in 3 patient groups

VR Social Music-Movement Exergame

Experimental group

Description:

Participants assigned to this arm will engage in a virtual reality (VR) music-movement exergaming program that integrates rhythmic movement and social interaction in a shared virtual environment. The intervention is designed to promote physical activity, enhance social connectedness, and improve psychological well-being.

Treatment:

Behavioral: VR social musical exergame

VR Solo Music-Movement Exergame

Experimental group

Description:

Participants assigned to this arm will engage in a virtual reality (VR) music-movement exergaming program individually without social interaction. This condition isolates the effect of the exergaming activity itself without the social component.

Treatment:

Behavioral: VR solo musical exergame

Waitlist Control

Active Comparator group

Description:

Participants assigned to the control group will not receive the intervention during the study period and will be placed on a waitlist to receive the intervention after the trial is completed.

Treatment:

Other: Waitlist control