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

NCT07392879 · Status: RECRUITING · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 40

Last updated 2026-02-12

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

This trial explores the use of immersive virtual reality (VR) nature-based experiences as a supplementary treatment for depression in individuals with progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). This study will evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of at-home VR deployment using the Apple Vision Pro, an advanced device that offers enhanced resolution, immersion, and usability compared to earlier VR systems.

The study hypotheses include:

* The integration of VR nature-based experiences with standard care will be feasible, acceptable, and will result in greater reductions in depressive symptoms compared to standard care or VR-only interventions.
* The integration of VR nature-based experiences with standard care will result in greater reductions in stress and anxiety, better sleep, less insomnia, and improved fatigue compared to standard care alone or VR-only interventions.

Conditions

Interventions

DEVICE

Virtual Reality

Participant will have 8 weeks of immersive VR nature-based experiences. Participants are expected to use the VR headset three times per week. Headsets will contain a prototype application (app) developed by Explore POV. This app will include approximately one hour of footage showcasing 15-25 different nature experiences, that will shuffle every time participants access it. Participants will have the option to choose between 5, 10, or 15 minutes, sessions while answering weekly surveys regarding their experiences.

OTHER

Standard care

Participants that are in the randomized groups will continue on antidepressants or psychotherapy during the study per their standard care. Participants in the non-randomized group don't receive any treatment for their depression and will continue not to receive anything for this during the study.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Apple Inc.

    collaborator INDUSTRY

  • The International Organization of Multiple Sclerosis Nurses Inc

    collaborator UNKNOWN

  • University of Michigan

    lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

  • Hala Darwish, PhD · University of Michigan

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Model
CROSSOVER

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2025-12-15
Primary Completion
2027-04-30
Completion
2027-04-30

Countries

  • United States

Study Locations

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Entities

Diseases
Companies

Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07392879 on ClinicalTrials.gov