The Impact of 'Digital Strolling' on Depression and Quality of Life of People With Severe Mobility Impairment

Launched by THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY · Jul 17, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring whether a new activity called "Digital Strolling" can help people who have severe difficulty moving around, such as those with spinal cord injuries or poliomyelitis, and who also experience mild to moderate depression. "Digital Strolling" involves spending about 20 minutes each day for 10 days using a digital program that simulates walking, with lessons designed to engage participants. The study will compare this group to another group who will simply watch videos of people walking without any interactive part.

People who might join this study are between 65 and 74 years old, have had trouble walking, standing, or using a wheelchair for at least six months, and have mild to moderate depression. They also need to be able to communicate in Cantonese and agree to participate. Those with serious memory problems or recent severe mental illness are not eligible. If you take part, you will either do the "Digital Strolling" sessions or watch walking videos, and the researchers will see how this affects your mood and quality of life. The study is currently looking for volunteers.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Have SMI (people who are inability to walk or climb stairs, stand, or use a wheelchair or scooter by self-report (inability to perform walking or climbing stairs or standing, or use of a wheelchair or scooter) over 6 months
• • Have mild to moderate levels of depression
• • Able to communicate in Cantonese
• • Provide informed consent.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Have severe cognitive impairment
• • Have an episode of severe mental illness