Psychological HealthNCT06586489
The Effects of Virtual Natural Environments on Residents' Health
A study testing Virtual Reality Natural Landscape Exposure and Tablet Screen Natural Landscape Exposure in people with Psychological Health, run by Taipei Medical University at 1 site in Taiwan.
Trial summary
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… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 60 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Psychological Health
- What is being tested?
- Virtual Reality Natural Landscape Exposure and Tablet Screen Natural Landscape Exposure
- Type of treatment
- Pill or oral medicine, Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 101 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTaiwan
- Study dates
- 16 Sep 2024to 7 Oct 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 60 years and older
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Age 60 years or older
- Residency in a long-term care institution for more than 1 month
- Clear consciousness
Who cannot join
- Blindness
- Presence of an infectious disease
- Inability to wear glasses
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: The Effects of Virtual Natural Environments in Improving Older Residents' Physical and Psychological Health in Long-term Care Facilities
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.
Read the detailed 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.
- Conditions
- Psychological Health
- Being tested
- Virtual Reality Natural Landscape Exposure, Tablet Screen Natural Landscape Exposure
- Keywords
- Virtual Reality, Natural Environments, Older Adults, Randomized Controlled Trial
- Medical subject headings
- Psychological Well-Being
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Virtual Reality Natural Landscape ExposureBehavioural
Participants will view immersive virtual natural landscapes using virtual reality (VR) headsets for 10 minutes, three times a week, over eight weeks. They will choose the natural landscapes they wish to visit and admire, allowing for personalized engagement with the virtual environment.
Tablet Screen Natural Landscape ExposureBehavioural
Participants will watch immersive virtual natural landscapes on a tablet screen for 10 minutes, three times a week, over eight weeks. Participants can select the natural landscapes they prefer to view during the sessions, providing a personalized experience.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Reality Group (VR) | Experimental | Participants in this group will engage with immersive virtual reality (VR) natural landscapes. Receives: Behavioral: Virtual Reality Natural Landscape Exposure |
| Tablet Screen Group (Tab) | Active comparator | Participants in this group will view natural landscapes on a tablet screen. Receives: Behavioral: Tablet Screen Natural Landscape Exposure |
| Control Group (C) | No intervention | Participants in this group will continue their usual care routine without additional exposure to virtual or screen-based natural environments. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Level of Relaxation
This study will use the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for relaxation.The VAS is a 0-100 mm scale, with 0 mm indicating no relaxation and 100 mm indicating a high level of relaxation.
Measured: Immediately before and immediately after each intervention session
Temperature
Measurement of body temperature to monitor physiological changes. Unit of Measure: Degrees Celsius (°C)
Measured: Immediately before and immediately after each intervention session.
Heart Rate
Measurement of heart rate to monitor physiological changes. Unit of Measure: Beats per minute (bpm)
Measured: Immediately before and immediately after each intervention session.
Respiration Rate
Measurement of respiration rate to monitor physiological changes. Unit of Measure: Breaths per minute
Measured: Immediately before and immediately after each intervention session.
Blood Pressure
Measurement of blood pressure to monitor physiological changes. Unit of Measure: Millimeters of mercury (mmHg)
Measured: Immediately before and immediately after each intervention session.
Well-being
This study will use the 10-item version of the Chinese Happiness Inventory (CHI), adapted from the Oxford Happiness Inventory. The scale has 10 items scored on a 4-point Likert scale, ranging from 0 (minimum) to 3 (maximum), with a total score between 0 and 30. Higher scores indicate greater happiness among elderly residents.
Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention), mid-intervention (week 4), end of intervention (week 8), and follow-up at one month post-intervention (week 12)
Heart Rate Variability (HRV)
HRV refers to the variation in the intervals between heartbeats (RR interval) and is influenced by both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. This study will use the VIPcare Plus Smart Band to collect HRV data, including low frequency (LF) and high frequency (HF) power values, as well as the LF/HF ratio, to assess autonomic nervous system balance
Measured: Immediately before and immediately after each intervention session
Emotion
This study will use the Positive and Negative Emotion Scale to measure the emotional states of residents. The scale has 12 items divided into two subscales: the first 6 items assess positive emotions, and the last 6 items assess negative emotions. It is scored on a 5-point Likert scale. The total score for the Positive Emotion Subscale ranges from 6 to 30, where higher scores indicate stronger positive emotions. The Negative Emotion Subscale has the same score range.
Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention), mid-intervention (week 4), end of intervention (week 8), and follow-up at one month post-intervention (week 12)
Affect
The Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) will be used to measure emotional states. The scale has 20 items, with 10 items each for positive and negative affect. Higher scores on the Positive Affect Subscale (10-50) indicate higher positive affect, and higher scores on the Negative Affect Subscale (10-50) indicate higher negative affect.
Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention), mid-intervention (week 4), end of intervention (week 8), and follow-up at one month post-intervention (week 12)
Anxiety
The Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (GAI) will be used to assess anxiety levels in elderly residents.The inventory has 20 items, with scores of 0 (no symptoms) or 1 (symptoms present), yielding a total score between 0 and 20. Higher scores indicate higher levels of anxiety.
Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention), mid-intervention (week 4), end of intervention (week 8), and follow-up at one month post-intervention (week 12)
Perceived Stress
The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) will be used to measure the residents perceived stress levels.
Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention), mid-intervention (week 4), end of intervention (week 8), and follow-up at one month post-intervention (week 12)
Depression
The Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form (GDS-SF) will be used to measure depression levels. The scale consists of 15 items with yes/no responses. The total score ranges from 0 to 15, with higher scores indicating more severe depression.
Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention), mid-intervention (week 4), end of intervention (week 8), and follow-up at one month post-intervention (week 12)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted19 Sep 2024
- Study start16 Sep 2024
- Primary completion7 Oct 2025
- Study completion7 Oct 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Psychological HealthStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Taipei Medical UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 101 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Taipei Medical University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Yeu-Hui Chuang, Principal investigator, Taipei Medical University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06586489
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- N202304015
- Status last verified
- Oct 2025
- First submitted
- 29 Aug 2024
- Last updated
- 17 Nov 2025
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: There is no plan to share individual participant data from this study.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 17 Nov 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effects of Virtual Natural Environments in Improving Older Residents' Physical and Psychological Health in Long-term Care Facilities
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06586489
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- N202304015
- Conditions
- Psychological Health
- Keywords
- Virtual Reality, Natural Environments, Older Adults, Randomized Controlled Trial
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 101 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Taipei Medical UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 16 Sep 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 7 Oct 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 7 Oct 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 19 Sep 2024 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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.
Detailed 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.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Reality Group (VR) | Experimental | Behavioral: Virtual Reality Natural Landscape ExposureParticipants in this group will engage with immersive virtual reality (VR) natural landscapes. |
| Tablet Screen Group (Tab) | Active comparator | Behavioral: Tablet Screen Natural Landscape ExposureParticipants in this group will view natural landscapes on a tablet screen. |
| Control Group (C) | No intervention | –Participants in this group will continue their usual care routine without additional exposure to virtual or screen-based natural environments. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 60 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Age 60 years or older
- Residency in a long-term care institution for more than 1 month
- Clear consciousness
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Blindness
- Presence of an infectious disease
- Inability to wear glasses
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Reality Natural Landscape ExposureParticipants will view immersive virtual natural landscapes using virtual reality (VR) headsets for 10 minutes, three times a week, over eight weeks. They will choose the natural landscapes they wish to visit and admire, allowing for personalized engagement with the virtual environment. | Behavioural | Virtual Reality Group (VR) |
| Tablet Screen Natural Landscape ExposureParticipants will watch immersive virtual natural landscapes on a tablet screen for 10 minutes, three times a week, over eight weeks. Participants can select the natural landscapes they prefer to view during the sessions, providing a personalized experience. | Behavioural | Tablet Screen Group (Tab) |
Primary outcome
Level of Relaxation
Time frame: Immediately before and immediately after each intervention session
This study will use the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for relaxation.The VAS is a 0-100 mm scale, with 0 mm indicating no relaxation and 100 mm indicating a high level of relaxation.
Temperature
Time frame: Immediately before and immediately after each intervention session.
Measurement of body temperature to monitor physiological changes. Unit of Measure: Degrees Celsius (°C)
Heart Rate
Time frame: Immediately before and immediately after each intervention session.
Measurement of heart rate to monitor physiological changes. Unit of Measure: Beats per minute (bpm)
Respiration Rate
Time frame: Immediately before and immediately after each intervention session.
Measurement of respiration rate to monitor physiological changes. Unit of Measure: Breaths per minute
Blood Pressure
Time frame: Immediately before and immediately after each intervention session.
Measurement of blood pressure to monitor physiological changes. Unit of Measure: Millimeters of mercury (mmHg)
Well-being
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention), mid-intervention (week 4), end of intervention (week 8), and follow-up at one month post-intervention (week 12)
This study will use the 10-item version of the Chinese Happiness Inventory (CHI), adapted from the Oxford Happiness Inventory. The scale has 10 items scored on a 4-point Likert scale, ranging from 0 (minimum) to 3 (maximum), with a total score between 0 and 30. Higher scores indicate greater happiness among elderly residents.
Heart Rate Variability (HRV)
Time frame: Immediately before and immediately after each intervention session
HRV refers to the variation in the intervals between heartbeats (RR interval) and is influenced by both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. This study will use the VIPcare Plus Smart Band to collect HRV data, including low frequency (LF) and high frequency (HF) power values, as well as the LF/HF ratio, to assess autonomic nervous system balance
Emotion
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention), mid-intervention (week 4), end of intervention (week 8), and follow-up at one month post-intervention (week 12)
This study will use the Positive and Negative Emotion Scale to measure the emotional states of residents. The scale has 12 items divided into two subscales: the first 6 items assess positive emotions, and the last 6 items assess negative emotions. It is scored on a 5-point Likert scale. The total score for the Positive Emotion Subscale ranges from 6 to 30, where higher scores indicate stronger positive emotions. The Negative Emotion Subscale has the same score range.
Affect
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention), mid-intervention (week 4), end of intervention (week 8), and follow-up at one month post-intervention (week 12)
The Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) will be used to measure emotional states. The scale has 20 items, with 10 items each for positive and negative affect. Higher scores on the Positive Affect Subscale (10-50) indicate higher positive affect, and higher scores on the Negative Affect Subscale (10-50) indicate higher negative affect.
Anxiety
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention), mid-intervention (week 4), end of intervention (week 8), and follow-up at one month post-intervention (week 12)
The Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (GAI) will be used to assess anxiety levels in elderly residents.The inventory has 20 items, with scores of 0 (no symptoms) or 1 (symptoms present), yielding a total score between 0 and 20. Higher scores indicate higher levels of anxiety.
Perceived Stress
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention), mid-intervention (week 4), end of intervention (week 8), and follow-up at one month post-intervention (week 12)
The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) will be used to measure the residents perceived stress levels.
Depression
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention), mid-intervention (week 4), end of intervention (week 8), and follow-up at one month post-intervention (week 12)
The Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form (GDS-SF) will be used to measure depression levels. The scale consists of 15 items with yes/no responses. The total score ranges from 0 to 15, with higher scores indicating more severe depression.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 17 Nov 2025.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. There is no plan to share individual participant data from this study.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Yeu-Hui Chuang principal investigator
Taipei Medical University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Virtual Reality Natural Landscape Exposure and Tablet Screen Natural Landscape Exposure in people with Psychological Health, run by Taipei Medical University at 1 site in Taiwan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 17 Nov 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Taiwan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Level of Relaxation (time frame: Immediately before and immediately after each intervention session). The study lists 12 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 17 Nov 2025.