Can a VR headset soothe anxiety and depression in older adults?

NCT ID NCT06219642

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Universidad San Francisco de Quito Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

The trial has finished. Results may not be published yet.

First seen Aug 21, 2026 · Last updated Aug 21, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether guided mindfulness exercises delivered through a virtual reality (VR) headset can help older adults with symptoms of anxiety and depression. Participants in Ecuador will be randomly assigned to either VR mindfulness sessions or a simple phone check-in. The trial measures changes in mood, mindfulness, and daily activity levels to see if this low-cost technology offers a meaningful benefit.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Mindfulness sessions delivered through a virtual reality (VR) device
What this could lead to: If effective, this could offer a low-cost, accessible way to help older adults manage symptoms of anxiety and depression, especially in low- and middle-income settings.
What could go wrong: This is a relatively small trial, and the benefits of VR mindfulness may not be greater than a simple phone check-in. Some participants may find the VR headset uncomfortable or experience dizziness.

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

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

84 people

The number who actually took part.

Started

Mar 2023

Finished

Apr 2024

Lead sponsor

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

60 years and older

Sex

Anyone

Healthy volunteers

Accepted

You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.

Show 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: * Normal cognitive functioning or mild cognitive impairment * Being able to give written consent * Being a Spanish speaker. Exclusion Criteria: * Moderate to severe cognitive impairment * Blindness or severe vision problems * Deafness or hearing problems, history of dizziness * Current psychosis or mania.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anxiety anxiety disorder Depression

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY

Contacts and locations

Locations

Universidad San Francisco de Quito

Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador

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