Virtual Reality Nature Walks for Depression in People With Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
Tests virtual reality nature experiences for depression in people with progressive multiple sclerosis.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Bringing the Outdoors In: Virtual Nature Walks for Depression in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Patients
Key facts
- Where
- Ann Arbor, United StatesSee the site
Where in United States
- University of MichiganAnn Arbor, United StatesTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- University of Michigan
- Trial code
- NCT07392879
- Record updated
- 12 February 2026
- Original description
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.Read full original descriptionShow less
Bringing the Outdoors In: Virtual Nature Walks for Depression in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Patients
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.
Inclusion: Confirmed diagnosis of progressive Multiple Sclerosis (MS, primary or secondary) by a neurologist or an MS center; Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Depression T-scores >55 at baseline; Ability to provide informed consent and participate in VR sessions at home; For Some Participants (Groups 1 and 2) currently receiving antidepressant or psychotherapy treatments (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), or psychotherapy) for the management of depression.
Exclusion: Severe psychiatric conditions that require hospitalization, or suicidal ideation, passive or active, psychosis, or active substance and alcohol abuse (score greater than 1 on CAGE (Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye-opener) Adapted to Include Drugs (CAGE-AID)); Another neurological or autoimmune disease per protocol; Severe cognitive impairments or visual deficits that may interfere with VR use, including contraindications like agoraphobia, claustrophobia, or motion sickness; Current participation in other clinical trials targeting depression; Participants that require vision correction, unless that vision correction is mild (± 1), or the participant has prescription contact lenses.