A randomised feasibility study assessing the effect of an active virtual reality gaming intervention on physical activity and mood in young men with mild to moderate depression as compared to a wait list control.

Western Sydney University0 sites30 target enrollmentStarted: December 22, 2020Last updated: August 9, 2022

Conditions

Trial Snapshot

No summary available.

•Males, aged 18-29 years.
•- Scoring mild (5-9) to moderate (10-14) for depressive symptoms on the PHQ-9
•- Willing and physically able to participate in active VR gaming
•- Are sedentary or close to sedentary: up to 30 mins per week of moderate or greater intensity physical activity. This includes incidental activity such as cycling to work.
•- No increased in structured exercise or moderate or greater activity planned for within the trial period.
•- Has not stopped taking any pharmaceutical medication, complementary medicines or supplements specifically aimed at enhancing mood in the last three months.
•- Not currently be taking any pharmaceutical medication, complementary medicines or supplements specifically aimed at enhancing mood (e.g SSRI/SNRI medication, St John’s Wort)
•- Not currently undergoing any medical therapy or complementary strategies aimed at enhancing mood (e.g cognitive behavioural therapy).
•- Have reliable wifi internet connection, access to a smartphone to for screening and outcome apps, willing to use a Facebook account to log into the Oculus device.
•- Have a safe and clear 2 x 2m space at their place of residence in which to operate the gaming device.
•- Willing to provide informed consent and adhere to the protocol.

•-Scoring moderately severe (15-19) or severe (20-27) for depressive symptoms on the PHQ-9.
•-Providing a positive response to question 9 - Thoughts that you would be better off dead or of hurting yourself in some way”.
•-Providing a positive response to any questions on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q)16
•-Physical issues which may potentially affect safe and fully operational participation in AVR gaming in a standing and moving posture, for example vision or balance issues such as vertigo.
•-Diagnosed with photosensitive epilepsy; possible increased seizure risk due to increased eye stimulation and brain affect
•-Have an implanted medical device such as a cardiac pacemaker, hearing aid or defibrillator that may be affected by magnets or components that emit radio waves in the headset or controllers.

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