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.

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: depression; Mental Health - Depression

• Registration Number: ACTRN12620001372976
• Lead Sponsor: Western Sydney University

Brief Summary

Not available

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Results First Posted: 1900-01-01
• Study Start: 2020-12-22
• Study Completion: 2022-04-02
• Last Update Posted: 9 August 2022

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: Completed
• Sex: Male
• Target Recruitment: 30

Inclusion Criteria

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.

Exclusion Criteria

-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.

Study & Design

• Study Type: Interventional
• Study Design: Not specified