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Frailty SyndromeVIRTO-FRAILNCT07060677

Effectiveness of Immersive Virtual Reality Combined With Occupational Therapy in Reducing Fall Risk and Frailty Among Older Adults

A study testing Inmersive Virtual Reality and Conventional occupational therapy sessions in people with Frailty Syndrome and Older Adults, Balance, run by Universidad Rey Juan Carlos at 2 sites in Spain.

Not yet recruiting

Opening soon. The study is approved but enrolment has not started yet. Sites may already take enquiries.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

Population aging is a growing global phenomenon that poses significant challenges to healthcare systems, particularly in preventing falls and managing frailty among older adults. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 65 years and older
What is being tested?
Inmersive Virtual Reality and Conventional occupational therapy sessions
Type of treatment
Surgery or procedure
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
30 participants
Where
2 sitesSpain
Study dates
15 Sep 2025to Nov 2025
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

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 65 years and older
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Individuals aged 65 years or older
  • Regularly attending rehabilitation treatment at the Bouco Madrid Ferraz Residence
  • Having the ability to walk with or without assistive devices
  • Presenting sufficient cognitive capacity to understand instructions (score ≥ 24 on the MMSE)
  • Agreeing to participate voluntarily
  • Signing the informed consent form.

Who cannot join

  • Having a diagnosis of a severe neurological disease (such as advanced Parkinson's disease or ALS, among others)
  • Having a history of epilepsy or seizures (due to potential adverse effects with VR)
  • Experiencing cardiovascular instability or having a medical contraindication for physical activity
  • Presenting vestibular disorders
  • Participating in other similar intervention programs during the same period
  • Being unable to use virtual reality glasses due to intolerance or dizziness
  • Not agreeing to participate voluntarily in the study and/or not signing the informed consent form.

Trial locations and contacts

2 sites in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Cristina García-Bravo contact

914884877

cristina.bravo@urjc.es

Spain2 sites
  • Universidad Rey Juan Carlos

    Alcorcón, Marid, 28922

    Cristina García-Bravo, 914884877, cristina.bravo@urjc.es

  • Residencia Bouco Madrid Ferraz

    Madrid, 28008

    Melissa Helen Zegarra-Ramos, 915442248, terapia.madridferraz@emeis.com

Other trials in Spain

About this study

Population aging is a growing global phenomenon that poses significant challenges to healthcare systems, particularly in preventing falls and managing frailty among older adults. Falls remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in this population, affecting approximately one-third of individuals over 65 each year. At the same time, frailty syndrome (FS)-a clinical condition marked by progressive decline in physical and cognitive function-significantly increases the risk of falls, disability, and dependency. Pre-frailty, an intermediate and reversible stage, offers a key opportunity for preventive interventions.

Scientific evidence supports the effectiveness of interdisciplinary approaches to address frailty and fall prevention. In this context, occupational therapy plays a central role by promoting functional autonomy through meaningful activities. However, traditional approaches may be limited in individuals with low motivation or mild cognitive impairment. Therefore, integrating innovative technologies such as immersive virtual reality (IVR) emerges as a promising therapeutic strategy.

Read more

IVR enables users to interact with simulated three-dimensional environments, enhancing cognitive stimulation, motor training, and treatment adherence. Modern devices like the Meta Quest 3 headsets provide accessible, safe, and adaptable immersive experiences, with reported benefits in balance, gait, attention, and motivation. Nonetheless, no studies to date have specifically evaluated the effectiveness of this technology when combined with conventional occupational therapy to reduce fall risk and frailty in older adults.

This project proposes a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT), lasting 5 months, using a single-blind, parallel-group design. It will be conducted at the Bouco Madrid Ferraz Residential Center (Madrid, Spain), following CONSORT 2010 methodological guidelines. The primary aim is to assess the efficacy of a combined intervention using IVR through Meta Quest 3 headsets and occupational therapy, compared to conventional occupational therapy alone, in reducing fall risk, improving frailty status, enhancing quality of life, and increasing rehabilitation motivation in older adults.

The sample will include 30 participants (15 per group), selected based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants will be randomly assigned to a control group (CG), receiving standard occupational therapy, or to an experimental group (EG), receiving a combined intervention of occupational therapy and IVR using the Kinesix XR platform, which is designed to enhance balance.

The intervention will last 8 weeks, with two one-hour sessions per week. The experimental group will receive 30 minutes of occupational therapy and 30 minutes of IVR per session. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, post-intervention, and at a 3-month follow-up using validated scales to measure fall risk, balance, frailty level, quality of life, and satisfaction.

Data will be pseudonymized, statistically analyzed using SPSS, and managed in compliance with the European General Data Protection Regulation (EU 2016/679). The small sample size reflects the exploratory nature of the study, aimed at assessing feasibility, safety, and preliminary outcomes prior to conducting a larger-scale trial.

Ultimately, this project aims to provide initial evidence on an innovative intervention for older adults by integrating digital tools with conventional therapeutic approaches. If proven effective, the VIRTO-FRAIL model could lay the groundwork for new strategies in geriatric rehabilitation and fall prevention.

Being tested
Inmersive Virtual Reality, Conventional occupational therapy sessions
Keywords
Inmersive Virtual Reality, Occupational Therapy, Frailty Sindrome, Fall Prevention, Older Adults, Pre-Frailty, Quality of Life
Medical subject headings
Frailty

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Inmersive Virtual RealityProcedure or surgery

    Participants will receive a intervention of immersive virtual reality using Meta Quest 3 and the Kinesix XR platform. Sessions will take place twice per week for 8 weeks. The IVR component will focus on balance and mobility through interactive, immersive environments designed to enhance engagement, adherence, and functional outcomes. This multimodal approach aims to reduce fall risk and frailty while improving motivation and quality of life in older adults.

  • Conventional occupational therapy sessionsProcedure or surgery

    Participants will receive conventional occupational therapy only, with sessions conducted twice per week for 8 weeks. The intervention will focus on cognitive stimulation, manipulative skill training, and psychomotor exercises, all adapted to the functional level of each participant. Activities aim to maintain or improve autonomy, balance, and coordination, following established occupational therapy guidelines for older adults. No immersive virtual reality or digital technology will be included in this group. This control condition allows for comparison with the experimental group to evaluate the added value of immersive virtual reality in fall risk and frailty reduction.

Study groups in NCT07060677
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Experimental Group (EG)ExperimentalExperimental Group (EG), which received therapy with Inmersive Virtual Reality, plus their conventional occupational therapy sessions.
Receives: Procedure: Inmersive Virtual Reality; Procedure: Conventional occupational therapy sessions
Control Group (CG)Active comparatorControl Group (CG), which received their usual sessions of conventional occupational therapy.
Receives: Procedure: Conventional occupational therapy sessions

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Functional Independence Measure (FIM)

    An instrument that assesses the level of functional independence in activities of daily living. It provides information primarily on motor and cognitive performance through 18 items. Each item is scored from 1 to 7, with higher scores indicating greater functional independence. The assessment is conducted through task observation and interview.

    Measured: Pre-intervention, post-intervention (up to 1 week) and follow-up (3-month)

  2. Functional Reach Test

    This test measures the maximum distance an individual can shift their center of gravity towards the limits of their base of support. In a relaxed standing posture, with feet hip-width apart, the participant is asked to flex the shoulder to 90 degrees and keep the hand extended. They must then reach forward as far as possible. The examiner records the furthest distance the center of gravity is displaced. Two practice trials and three recorded trials are conducted, with the average of the three being the final score. The result is recorded in centimeters.

    Measured: Pre-intervention, post-intervention (up to 1 week) and follow-up (3 month)

  3. Timed 'Up and Go' (TUG)

    This test measures the time it takes a person to rise from a chair, walk 3 meters, turn around, return to the chair, and sit down again. It evaluates balance and gait speed. The score is recorded in seconds.

    Measured: Pre-intervention, post-intervention (up to 1 week) and follow-up (3-month)

  4. Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS)

    A clinical tool used to assess the level of frailty in older adults. It is based on a 9-point scale, where patients are classified from 1 (very fit) to 9 (terminally ill), reflecting increasing severity of frailty. Higher scores indicate worse outcomes, representing greater vulnerability and dependency. The evaluation incorporates physical and cognitive function, as well as the level of dependency, to estimate a patient's vulnerability to stressors.

    Measured: Pre-intervention, post-intervention (up to 1 week) and follow-up (3-month)

  5. Kinesix Virtual Reality Therapeutics© Functional Assessment Scale

    Designed to objectively measure and analyze a person's performance in specific tasks. This tool evaluates upper limb reach, balance, and other key functional capacities, providing valuable information for establishing a starting point and tracking patient progress over time.

    Scores on the Kinesix VR Therapeutics© Functional Assessment Scale range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better functional performance and a more favorable outcome. A score of 0 reflects minimal or no functional ability, while a score of 100 indicates optimal or fully restored function.

    This scale is intended for use by trained clinicians and therapists to monitor patient progress over time, assess the effectiveness of VR interventions, and support individualized treatment planning.

    Measured: Pre-intervention, post-intervention (up to 1 week) and follow-up (3-month)

  6. World Health Organization Quality of Life - BREF (WHOQOL-BREF)

    A self-administered questionnaire that evaluates overall perception of quality of life and general health status. It consists of four domains: physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environment. The WHOQOL-BREF consists of 26 items that measure four domains: Physical Health, Psychological Health, Social Relationships, and Environment. Each item is rated on a 5-point Likert scale, and domain scores are transformed to range from 0 to 100, in accordance with WHO scoring guidelines.

    Higher scores on the WHOQOL-BREF indicate a better quality of life. A score of 0 represents the lowest possible quality of life in a domain, while a score of 100 reflects the highest possible perceived quality of life.

    The WHOQOL-BREF provides a comprehensive yet efficient assessment of well-being and is validated across a wide range of cultures and populations.

    Measured: Pre-intervention, post-intervention (up to 1 week) and follow-up (3-month)

Secondary outcomes (2)
  1. Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8)

    A self-administered questionnaire consisting of 8 items that assess satisfaction with the care and quality of services received, as well as how well the intervention met the patient's expectations. Responses are scored from 1 to 4, with a maximum score of 32; higher scores indicate greater satisfaction. The Spanish adaptation of the questionnaire has shown adequate psychometric properties and preserves the characteristics of the original version, making it suitable for assessing satisfaction with healthcare services in the Spanish population. The CSQ-8 will be administered to both treatment groups in this study.

    Measured: Post-intervention (up to 1 week)

  2. System Usability Scale (SUS)

    A usability evaluation scale used to assess the effectiveness of virtual reality in healthcare settings. It includes 10 items that cover various aspects of the user's experience with the technology, such as ease of use, efficiency, and overall satisfaction. Responses range from "strongly agree" to "strongly disagree."

    Measured: Post-intervention (up to 1 week)

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted11 Jul 2025
  2. Study start15 Sep 2025 (estimated)
  3. Primary completion25 Sep 2025 (estimated)
  4. Study completionNov 2025 (estimated)

Resources

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
Model description
Control Group (CG), which received their usual sessions of conventional occupational therapy, and an Experimental Group (EG), which received therapy with Inmersive Virtual Reality, plus their conventional occupational therapy sessions.
Masking
Double blind
Who is masked
Participant, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
30 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07060677
Sponsor's protocol ID
080520254252025
Acronym
VIRTO-FRAIL
Status last verified
Jul 2025
First submitted
19 Jun 2025
Last updated
16 Jul 2025
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Inmersive Virtual Reality and Conventional occupational therapy sessions in people with Frailty Syndrome and Older Adults, Balance, run by Universidad Rey Juan Carlos at 2 sites in Spain.

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 6 inclusion and 7 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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 16 Jul 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 2 sites in Spain. 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?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Cristina García-Bravo (914884877, cristina.bravo@urjc.es), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Functional Independence Measure (FIM) (time frame: Pre-intervention, post-intervention (up to 1 week) and follow-up (3-month)). The study lists 6 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 16 Jul 2025.

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