Brain Health Virtual Reality Study

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · Nov 3, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The Brain Health Virtual Reality Study is a research trial at UC San Diego that aims to explore how virtual reality (VR) can help improve brain health in older adults. The study will look at three different types of activities: physical exercise, VR-based thinking games, and a combination of both. Over 16 weeks, researchers will assess how these activities impact physical fitness and cognitive abilities, such as memory and thinking skills, in participants aged 50 to 85 who are fluent in English and can safely ride a stationary bike.

If you're interested in joining this study, you must be between 50 and 85 years old and able to ride a stationary bike. Unfortunately, individuals with dementia, certain neurological disorders, or severe sensory issues cannot participate. During the trial, you can expect to engage in fun and interactive VR activities while also getting some physical exercise. This study could be a great opportunity to contribute to research that may help improve brain health in older adults.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. 50-85 years of age
• • 2. Fluent in English
• • 3. Can safely ride a stationary bike
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Dementia
• • 2. History of a neurological disorder
• • 3. Severe sensory deficits
• • 4. Inability to perform intervention (e.g., inability to cycle safely)
• • 5. Contraindications to MRI scan (e.g., pacemaker)
• • 6. Fear of needles/ blood
• • 7. Prior history of fainting due to sight of needles of blood