Immersive virtual reality as support for the mental health of elderly women: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Several forms of virtual reality (VR) have shown promise in treating mental disorders. However, there is a lack of research investigating the use of multicomponent immersive VR. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an immersive virtual reality (IVR) intervention that incorporated Japanese garden aesthetics, relaxation, and elements of Erickson’s psychotherapy in alleviating depression and anxiety symptoms among elderly women. Sixty women with depressive symptoms were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. Both groups received eight (twice a week for four weeks) low-intensity general fitness training sessions. The IVR group (n = 30) received eight additional VR-based relaxation sessions, whereas the control group (n = 30) received eight group relaxation. As outcome measures, the geriatric depression scale (GDS; primary) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS; secondary) were administered before and after the interventions. The protocol was registered in the ClinicalTrials.gov PRS database (Registration number: NCT05285501). Patients receiving IVR therapy exhibited a greater significant reduction in the GDS (adjusted mean post-difference of 4.10; 95% CI = 2.27–5.93) and HADS (2.95; 95% CI = 0.98–4.92) scores than those receiving the control intervention. In conclusion, IVR with elements of psychotherapy, relaxation, and garden aesthetics may alleviate the severity of depression and anxiety symptoms in elderly women.

Immersive Virtual Reality Therapy Is Supportive for Orthopedic Rehabilitation among the Elderly: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…The required sample size for this study was determined using the G*Power 3.1.9.4 software (Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany) [31]. Based on the results of the primary outcome (the depression subscale of HADS) from our previous research on the elderly population, we anticipated an effect size of 0.25, equivalent to a partial eta squared of 0.06 [23]. Setting the significance level (α) at 0.05 and the statistical power (1 − β) at 0.95, a total of 54 participants was deemed necessary to achieve statistical significance.…”

“…The music was crafted by a therapist-composer duo, and the immersive garden experience aimed to uplift spirits. Further details on the VRTierOne's principles can be found in our prior work [23].…”