The Effects of Virtual Natural Environments on Residents' Health

Taipei Medical University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Psychological Health

Treatments: Behavioral: Tablet Screen Natural Landscape Exposure; Behavioral: Virtual Reality Natural Landscape Exposure

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06586489

N202304015

Details and patient eligibility

About

This randomized controlled trial aims to explore the impact of virtual natural environments on the mental and physical health of older adults in long-term care facilities. A total of 120 participants will be divided into three groups: a virtual reality (VR) group, a tablet screen-based natural environments group (Tab), and a control group (C) receiving routine care. The intervention involves viewing virtual natural landscapes for 10 minutes, three times a week, over eight weeks. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of these virtual environments in enhancing the quality of life for elderly residents, with data collection occurring at multiple time points. Additionally, qualitative interviews will be conducted with VR group participants to capture their experiences and emotional responses.

Full description

This study investigates whether virtual natural environments can improve the mental and physical health of older adults living in long-term care facilities. The trial will involve 120 participants randomly assigned to one of three groups: a virtual reality (VR) group, a tablet screen-based natural environments group (Tab), and a control group (C) receiving routine care. The intervention consists of viewing virtual natural landscapes for 10 minutes, three times a week, over an eight-week period.

The study's primary focus is to assess the impact of these virtual environments on participants' overall well-being and quality of life. Data will be collected at multiple stages throughout the intervention, and statistical analysis will be conducted to determine the effectiveness of the virtual nature sessions. In addition to the quantitative analysis, qualitative interviews will be carried out with participants in the VR group to gather deeper insights into their experiences and the emotional benefits they may derive from the intervention. These interviews will provide valuable context to the quantitative findings, helping to understand the broader implications of using virtual natural environments in long-term care settings.

Enrollment: 101 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 60+ years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Age 60 years or older
• Residency in a long-term care institution for more than 1 month
• Clear consciousness

Exclusion criteria

• Blindness
• Presence of an infectious disease
• Inability to wear glasses

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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101 participants in 3 patient groups

Virtual Reality Group (VR)

Experimental group

Description:

Participants in this group will engage with immersive virtual reality (VR) natural landscapes.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Virtual Reality Natural Landscape Exposure

Tablet Screen Group (Tab)

Active Comparator group

Description:

Participants in this group will view natural landscapes on a tablet screen.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Tablet Screen Natural Landscape Exposure

Control Group (C)

No Intervention group

Description:

Participants in this group will continue their usual care routine without additional exposure to virtual or screen-based natural environments.