VR gardening trial aims to plant seeds of happiness in seniors
NCT ID NCT07275034
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This pilot study tests whether a virtual reality gardening program can ease depressive symptoms in 36 older adults (age 60+) with subthreshold depression — a state between normal mood and clinical depression. Participants will use a VR system to plant and care for virtual crops, sometimes with a partner online. The goal is to see if this low-cost, engaging activity can improve mood and cognitive function without medication.
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 Garden System
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a low-cost, accessible way to reduce depressive symptoms in older adults without medication.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small pilot study (36 people) with no comparison to standard therapy. The VR program is experimental and may not be practical or effective for everyone.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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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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Nursing school of Fujian Medical university
Fujian, Fuzhou, 350001, China
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