NCT06586489

The Effects of Virtual Natural Environments on Residents' Health

The Effects of Virtual Natural Environments in Improving Older Residents' Physical and Psychological Health in Long-term Care Facilities

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 101 (actual)
• Sponsor: Taipei Medical University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 60 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

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 (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.

Conditions

• Psychological Health

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Virtual Reality Natural Landscape Exposure	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.
BEHAVIORAL	Tablet Screen Natural Landscape Exposure	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.

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-09-16
• Primary completion: 2025-10-07
• Completion: 2025-10-07
• First posted: 2024-09-19
• Last updated: 2025-11-17

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Taiwan