Restorative Environments for Gait Therapy with VR
Launched by ETH ZURICH · Mar 4, 2024
Trial Information
Current as of July 23, 2025
Recruiting
Keywords
ClinConnect Summary
This clinical trial, titled "Restorative Environments for Gait Therapy With VR," is exploring how different virtual landscapes can help older adults improve their walking and balance during therapy sessions. The study aims to find out if seeing calming environments, like urban streets, rural fields, and forests through virtual reality (VR) goggles can reduce stress, enhance focus, and positively affect walking stability. Participants who are over 65 years old, speak German, and are currently receiving gait therapy in a hospital setting may be eligible to join the study.
In the trial, some participants will continue with their usual therapy, while others will experience five additional VR sessions over ten days, where they will walk through these virtual landscapes and do balance exercises. Before and after the sessions, their stress levels and walking abilities will be tested to see if the VR experience made a difference. The researchers hope to understand how these virtual settings can support better walking stability and overall well-being for older adults. It's important to note that individuals with certain health issues, like epilepsy or severe hearing impairments, won't be eligible to participate.
Gender
ALL
Eligibility criteria
- Inclusion Criteria:
- • age: \> 65 years
- • german-speaking
- • ability to give informed consent
- • attends gait safety training (usual care)
- • inpatient for a duration of min. 2 weeks in one of the study sites
- • items 7 - 15 of the De Morton Mobility Index (DEMMI): min. 2 points, max. 9 points
- • 3-minute walking distance: \> 30 m without rest, with or without walking aids, overground walking on flat surface
- Exclusion Criteria:
- • epilepsy
- • Partial weight bearing or conservatively or surgically treated billing with weight bearing as determined by symptoms
- • Severe hearing impairment (if not corrected with hearing aid)
- • Injuries to the eyes, face, or neck that prevent comfortable use of VR glasses.
About Eth Zurich
ETH Zurich, a prestigious institution known for its cutting-edge research and innovation, is a leading sponsor of clinical trials focused on advancing medical science and improving patient outcomes. With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, ETH Zurich leverages its expertise in engineering, technology, and life sciences to explore novel therapeutic approaches and enhance healthcare delivery. The institution is committed to adhering to rigorous ethical standards and regulatory compliance, ensuring the integrity and scientific validity of its clinical research initiatives. Through its sponsorship, ETH Zurich aims to contribute significantly to the development of transformative treatments and interventions that address critical healthcare challenges.
Contacts
Jennifer Cobb
Immunology at National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Locations
Zollikerberg, Zürich, Switzerland
Zollikerberg, , Switzerland
St. Gallen, Saint Gallen, Switzerland
Schaffhausen, , Switzerland
St. Gallen, , Switzerland
Patients applied
Trial Officials
Ulrike Wissen Hayek, Dr.
Principal Investigator
ETH Zürich
Timeline
First submit
Trial launched
Trial updated
Estimated completion
Not reported