Virtual Therapy as a Method Supporting Treatment of Late-Life Depression

Summary

This study evaluates the addition of virtual therapy intervention in the treatment of depression in the elderly. Half of the participants will receive virtual reality treatment as an addition to physical exercises and psychoeducation, while the other half will receive physical exercises and psychoeducation alone.

Conditions

• Depressive Symptoms
• Depression
• Anxiety

Interventions

DEVICE

VRTierOne

As a virtual reality source, VRTierOne device (Stolgraf®) were used. Thanks to using head mounted display and the phenomenon of total immersion "VRTierOne" Stolgraf® provides an intense visual, auditory and kinesthetic stimulation. It can have a calming and mood-improving effect or help the patients recognize their psychological resources and motivate to the rehabilitation process. In the virtual therapeutic garden there are a rich set of symbols and metaphors based on Ericksonian Psychotherapy approach. The most important is the Garden of Revival which symbolizes the patient's health. It used to be full of life and energy, now it is neglected, requires work to be revived. In the therapeutic process day by day, the lector (therapist) tells the patient a symbolic story about his/her situation. By performing tasks in the virtual garden, the patient influences the course of this story, becomes an active participant of the therapeutic process and sees the effects his work.

BEHAVIORAL

Group general fitness training

A single session of general fitness training will be composed of low-intensity, general-fitness exercises. Most of the exercises will be carried out in a sitting position and standing positon. The session will contain aerobic (general warm-up), musculo-articular (strengthening muscles and joints range of motion) and stabilizing exercises (improve spatio-visual coordination). Perception of effort will be monitored using the Borg 6-20 rating the perceived exertion. Conducted by a physiotherapist in group form.

BEHAVIORAL

Group Psychoeducation

A single sesstion will contain mini-lectures about mental well-being and psychohygiene, conduced by a psychotherapist in group form.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Foundation for Senior Citizen Activation SIWY DYM

  collaborator OTHER

• Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Joanna Szczepańska-Gieracha, Professor · University School of Physical Education, Wroclaw, Poland

• Błażej Cieślik, MSc · University School of Physical Education, Wroclaw, Poland

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

60 Years

Max Age

80 Years

Sex

FEMALE

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2019-06-01

Primary Completion

2019-08-31

Completion

2019-09-01

Countries

• Poland

Study Locations