RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07392879

Bringing the Outdoors In: Virtual Nature Walks for Depression in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Patients

Sponsor

University of Michigan

Enrollment

40 participants

Start Date

Dec 15, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Depression Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

Summary

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.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Inclusion Criteria4

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 Criteria5

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
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
Participants that require vision correction, unless that vision correction is mild (± 1), or the participant has prescription contact lenses.

Interventions

DEVICEVirtual Reality

Participant will have 8 weeks of immersive VR nature-based experiences. Participants are expected to use the VR headset three times per week. Headsets will contain a prototype application (app) developed by Explore POV. This app will include approximately one hour of footage showcasing 15-25 different nature experiences, that will shuffle every time participants access it. Participants will have the option to choose between 5, 10, or 15 minutes, sessions while answering weekly surveys regarding their experiences.

OTHERStandard care

Participants that are in the randomized groups will continue on antidepressants or psychotherapy during the study per their standard care. Participants in the non-randomized group don't receive any treatment for their depression and will continue not to receive anything for this during the study.