Virtual reality nature break could ease stress for those with mobility issues
NCT ID NCT06682143
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This pilot study tests whether a 5-minute virtual reality (VR) greenspace experience can lower stress in 25 adults with mobility impairments. Participants will either engage in a VR nature activity or sit quietly, and researchers will measure stress through surveys and saliva samples. The goal is to see if VR can offer a quick, accessible way to manage stress for people who may have limited access to real outdoor spaces.
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 greenspace exposure
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a simple, drug-free way to help people with mobility impairments manage stress.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small pilot study with only 25 participants. Results may not apply to everyone, and the stress reduction might be short-lived or no better than sitting quietly.
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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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25 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Apr 2025
- Expected to finish
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Jun 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- 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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18 to 75 years
- 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 between 18 and 75 years * A self-reported lower extremity mobility impairment (e.g., cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, stroke) with partial or full use of the upper extremities. Exclusion Criteria: * Impairment in visual acuity as measured by a Snellen eye chart \<20/70 after correction * Regular engagement (\>20 minutes/week) in virtual reality greenspace activity * Having an endocrine disorder (that can affect cortisol levels) * Taking oral corticosteroids * Score below 24 on the Mini Mental State Exam
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Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
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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University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama, 35294, United States
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