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Virtual Nature Walks for Depression in Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

This study is looking into whether virtual reality (VR) nature experiences can help people with progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) who also experience depression. You would use an Apple Vision Pro VR headset at home three times a week for eight weeks. Some participants will continue their usual depression treatments (antidepressants or psychotherapy), while others will only use the VR or continue without any depression treatment. The study wants to see if adding VR to standard care, or using VR alone, can reduce symptoms of depression. To join, you need a confirmed diagnosis of progressive MS and a certain level of depression symptoms (PROMIS Depression T-scores >55). The study aims to enroll 40 participants, but its current status is unclear.

Study design
This is an interventional study with an unclear status, planning to enroll 40 participants. It compares virtual reality nature experiences with standard care or no depression treatment.
What's involved
You would use a VR headset at home three times per week for 8 weeks. You will also complete questionnaires at the start, after 9-10 weeks, and again after 20-21 weeks.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Participants will be followed for changes in depression scores up to 20-21 weeks after the study begins.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT07392879

Bringing the Outdoors In: Virtual Nature Walks for Depression in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Patients

Recruiting
NAAges 18+InterventionalTreatment
University of Michigan
~40 participants
Updated 2026-02-12 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Virtual RealityStandard care

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Changes to the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Depression short form 8b scores
Measured over Baseline, 9-10 weeks and 20-21 weeks
+8 more outcomes measured

Conditions

Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
Depression

Explore related trials

DepressionMultiple Sclerosis

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
Michigan1

Study leadership

  • Hala Darwish, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of Michigan

Who to contact

Zee Petrie
[email protected]
734- 764- 5249
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Confirmed diagnosis of progressive Multiple Sclerosis (MS, primary or secondary) by a neurologist or an MS center
Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Depression T-scores \>55 at baseline
Ability to provide informed consent and participate in VR sessions at home
For Some Participants (Groups 1 and 2) currently receiving antidepressant or psychotherapy treatments (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), or psychotherapy) for the management of depression

Exclusion

Severe cognitive impairments or visual deficits that may interfere with VR use, including contraindications like agoraphobia, claustrophobia, or motion sickness
Current participation in other clinical trials targeting depression
Severe psychiatric conditions that require hospitalization, or suicidal ideation, passive or active, psychosis, or active substance and alcohol abuse (score greater than 1 on CAGE (Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye-opener) Adapted to Include Drugs (CAGE-AID))
Another neurological or autoimmune disease per protocol
Participants that require vision correction, unless that vision correction is mild (± 1), or the participant has prescription contact lenses.

What this trial measures

  • Changes to the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Depression short form 8b scoresBaseline, 9-10 weeks and 20-21 weeks

    This is an 8-item evaluating various aspects of depression, including negative mood, anhedonia, feelings of worthlessness, and cognitive impairments. Each item is rated on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from never (1) - always (5). Scores range from 8-40 with a higher score indicating greater symptom severity.

  • Virtual Reality (VR) Sessions completed over 8 weeks8-week VR intervention

    A benchmark of 70% will indicate adequate feasibility and acceptability.

  • Qualitative feedback on the VR Neuroscience Questionnaire during the intervention (groups 1 and 3)1-8 weeks (during VR)

    The modified scale for this project uses 10 questions that participants will answer about the VR experience, rated from 1 (extremely low or extremely difficult) to 7 (extremely high or extremely easy). The scores range from 10 to 70, with higher scores indicating greater experience. A benchmark of 70% indicates adequate feasibility and acceptability, with participant satisfaction ratings above 80%.

  • Qualitative feedback with Semi-structured interviews for participants that received VRWeeks 9-10, Weeks 20- 21

    Semi-structured interviews with 20 random participants (6-7 from each group) who received the VR treatment to capture participants' subjective experiences at the midpoint and end of the intervention. The interview questions will focus on emotional changes, engagement levels, and feedback on the intervention's implementation.

  • Enrollment rateRecruitment period (2 years)

    Feasibility will be assessed via enrollment. Recruitment will be quantified by enrollment rates relative to the number of eligibility screenings.

  • Retention ratesBaseline - 21 weeks

    Feasibility: Retention will be evaluated through the percentage of participants who complete the entire study duration, targeting a benchmark of at least 70%.

  • Adherence to VR intervention8-week VR intervention

    Feasibility: Adherence to 5-15-minute sessions 3 times per week over 8 weeks

  • Dropout reasonsBaseline - 21 weeks
  • Hardware/software issuesDuring 8 weeks of VR