Immersive Virtual Reality Training for Improving Cognition in Adults With Metabolic Syndrome

Launched by CONSORCI SANITARI DE TERRASSA · Jun 26, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying whether using immersive virtual reality (VR) can help improve thinking skills in middle-aged adults who have metabolic syndrome—a group of health problems like belly fat, high blood pressure, and blood sugar issues that increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Participants will take part in a 12-week program that combines mental exercises and physical activity, all done in group sessions using virtual reality technology designed to make the training engaging and effective.

To join the study, adults between 45 and 70 years old need to have metabolic syndrome, which includes having a certain waist size plus at least two other health concerns like high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, or high blood sugar. They should also feel that their memory or thinking skills have recently gotten worse. People with serious brain diseases, certain heart problems, or other major health issues won’t be able to participate. If accepted, participants will spend about three months attending regular VR training sessions that blend exercise and brain games, all in a supportive group setting. The study is currently looking for volunteers who speak Spanish or Catalan and meet these requirements.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Demonstrated criteria for the MetS: central obesity (waist circumference ≥ 94 cm for men or ≥ 80 cm for women) and at least 2 of the criteria described as follow: Triglycerides ≥ 150 mg/dl or specific treatment of this lipid disorder; HDL-C \< 40 mg/dl (men) or \< 50 mg/dl (women) or specific treatment of this lipid disorder; Systolic blood pressure ≥ 130 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 85 mmHg or previously diagnosed hypertension treatment; Basal glycemia ≥ 100 mg/dl or type 2 diabetes previously diagnosed).
• • Age: between 45 and 70 years old.
• • Subjective cognitive complaints: Subjective Cognitive Decline Questionnaire (≥ 7).
• • Ability to fully understand and speak Spanish or Catalan.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Confirmed or suspicion of dementia (MMSE\<24).
• • Diagnosis of severe psychiatric, neurological, developmental disorders, systemic pathologies, hematological, hormonal, nutritional pathology, and/or neoplasm that are known to cause cognitive deficits.
• • Other severe comorbidities considered a probable bias for the study: a cardiac history of unstable angina, recent myocardial infarction within the last 3 months, congestive heart failure, significant heart valve dysfunction, or unstable hypertension; taking medications that could negatively affect cognitive function.
• • Physical, motor, or sensory alterations that impede the neuropsychological examination or the rehabilitation program.