VR bikes could get seniors moving more in rehab
NCT ID NCT07459439
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This small pilot study tested whether adding virtual reality goggles to stationary cycling is practical for older adults (65+) in short-term rehab. Twelve participants tried 15-minute VR cycling sessions three times a week for up to four weeks. The goal was to see if they would stick with it, with a target of completing at least 75% of offered sessions. Results will help decide if a larger study is worth doing.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- virtual reality-assisted ergometer cycling
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a way to make exercise more enjoyable and motivating for older adults in rehabilitation.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small pilot study with only 12 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. It only tests feasibility, not whether VR cycling actually improves health.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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12 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Mar 2026
- Finished
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Jun 2026
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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65 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥65 years * Referred to rehabilitation during a stay at temporary inpatient care * Assessed by a therapist as capable of participating in seated cycling (possibly supervised) * Able to provide informed consent (with relevant support according to local guidelines, if necessary). Exclusion Criteria: * Medical contraindications to moderate physical activity/cycling (e.g., unstable angina, uncontrolled arrhythmia, acute infection with significant impact) * Severe dizziness/vestibular symptoms likely to be exacerbated by VR use * Known photosensitive epilepsy or other conditions posing significant risk with VR stimulation * Unresolved vision/perception issues or severe nausea rendering VR use unsuitable * Participation in another intervention study that interferes with this intervention.
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Bispebjerg Hospital
Copenhagen, Denmark
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Sundheds- og rehabiliteringscenter Hørsholm
Hørsholm, 2970, Denmark
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