PDF(Pubmed)
Abstract：
BACKGROUND: Older adults often face loneliness due to chronic illness or loss of close ones, a situation worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Increased loneliness heightens the risk of diseases, especially dementia, necessitating urgent action.
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the impact of a virtual reality (VR)-based open-air bath program on depression and loneliness in older individuals with subjective cognitive decline/mild cognitive impairment attending the Dementia Medical Center in Kyoto, Japan. We further aim to evaluate the feasibility of the program (participant recruitment and adherence) and to measure program enjoyment and satisfaction.
METHODS: The study design is a crossover trial with a 1:1 ratio, wherein 12 participants will be randomly assigned to groups 1 and 2, with group 2 serving as a waitlist control and group 1 receiving the VR program from the onset for 6 months; the VR program will be conducted 6 times (monthly). Program completion for group 1 will be followed by an observation period from months 7 to 12. Group 2 will participate in the VR program from months 7 to 12, with an observation period from months 1 to 6. Cognitive tests, psychiatric assessments, and the University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale will be conducted before the study, at 6 months, and at 12 months. Results will be analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA. Head magnetic resonance imaging and single-photon emission computed tomography scans will be performed before and after the VR program to evaluate changes and effects on brain regions.
RESULTS: Recruitment began in September 2023 and data collection is expected to be completed by March 2025. Complete study results will be published by September 2025.
CONCLUSIONS: This study examines the preliminary effects of VR on loneliness in older adults with predementia through open-air bath simulations. VR experiences could benefit this population, particularly those with limited outdoor activities. Quantifying VR\'s impact will aid in determining the size for a larger clinical trial. Qualitative results will inform participation mechanisms and guide the implementation and design of future trials.
BACKGROUND: University hospital Medical Information Network UMIN000052667; https://tinyurl.com/3yaccay5.
UNASSIGNED: DERR1-10.2196/57101.
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the impact of a virtual reality (VR)-based open-air bath program on depression and loneliness in older individuals with subjective cognitive decline/mild cognitive impairment attending the Dementia Medical Center in Kyoto, Japan. We further aim to evaluate the feasibility of the program (participant recruitment and adherence) and to measure program enjoyment and satisfaction.
METHODS: The study design is a crossover trial with a 1:1 ratio, wherein 12 participants will be randomly assigned to groups 1 and 2, with group 2 serving as a waitlist control and group 1 receiving the VR program from the onset for 6 months; the VR program will be conducted 6 times (monthly). Program completion for group 1 will be followed by an observation period from months 7 to 12. Group 2 will participate in the VR program from months 7 to 12, with an observation period from months 1 to 6. Cognitive tests, psychiatric assessments, and the University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale will be conducted before the study, at 6 months, and at 12 months. Results will be analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA. Head magnetic resonance imaging and single-photon emission computed tomography scans will be performed before and after the VR program to evaluate changes and effects on brain regions.
RESULTS: Recruitment began in September 2023 and data collection is expected to be completed by March 2025. Complete study results will be published by September 2025.
CONCLUSIONS: This study examines the preliminary effects of VR on loneliness in older adults with predementia through open-air bath simulations. VR experiences could benefit this population, particularly those with limited outdoor activities. Quantifying VR\'s impact will aid in determining the size for a larger clinical trial. Qualitative results will inform participation mechanisms and guide the implementation and design of future trials.
BACKGROUND: University hospital Medical Information Network UMIN000052667; https://tinyurl.com/3yaccay5.
UNASSIGNED: DERR1-10.2196/57101.
摘要：
背景：老年人经常因慢性疾病或失去亲人而面临孤独，COVID-19大流行使情况恶化。孤独感的增加增加了疾病的风险，尤其是痴呆症,需要采取紧急行动。
目的：本研究旨在评估基于虚拟现实（VR）的露天沐浴计划对患有主观认知功能下降/轻度认知障碍的老年人的抑郁和孤独感的影响京都痴呆医学中心，日本。我们进一步旨在评估该计划的可行性（参与者招募和遵守情况），并衡量计划的享受和满意度。
方法：研究设计是1：1比例的交叉试验，其中12名参与者将被随机分配到第1组和第2组,第2组作为等待名单对照,第1组从发病开始接受VR计划6个月;VR计划将进行6次(每月一次).第1组的计划完成后将是7至12个月的观察期。第2组将从第7个月到第12个月参加VR计划，观察期从第1个月到第6个月。认知测试,精神病学评估,和加州大学，洛杉矶孤独量表将在研究之前进行，6个月时,在12个月。将使用重复测量ANOVA分析结果。在VR程序之前和之后将进行头部磁共振成像和单光子发射计算机断层扫描，以评估对大脑区域的变化和影响。
结果：招聘于2023年9月开始，数据收集预计将于2025年3月完成。完整的研究结果将于2025年9月公布。
结论：本研究通过露天浴池模拟研究了VR对痴呆前期老年人孤独感的初步影响。VR体验可以使这些人群受益，特别是那些户外活动有限的人。量化VR的影响将有助于确定更大的临床试验的规模。定性结果将为参与机制提供信息，并指导未来试验的实施和设计。
背景：大学医院医疗信息网络UMIN000052667;https://tinyurl.com/3yaccay5.
■DERR1-10.2196/57101。
目的：本研究旨在评估基于虚拟现实（VR）的露天沐浴计划对患有主观认知功能下降/轻度认知障碍的老年人的抑郁和孤独感的影响京都痴呆医学中心，日本。我们进一步旨在评估该计划的可行性（参与者招募和遵守情况），并衡量计划的享受和满意度。
方法：研究设计是1：1比例的交叉试验，其中12名参与者将被随机分配到第1组和第2组,第2组作为等待名单对照,第1组从发病开始接受VR计划6个月;VR计划将进行6次(每月一次).第1组的计划完成后将是7至12个月的观察期。第2组将从第7个月到第12个月参加VR计划，观察期从第1个月到第6个月。认知测试,精神病学评估,和加州大学，洛杉矶孤独量表将在研究之前进行，6个月时,在12个月。将使用重复测量ANOVA分析结果。在VR程序之前和之后将进行头部磁共振成像和单光子发射计算机断层扫描，以评估对大脑区域的变化和影响。
结果：招聘于2023年9月开始，数据收集预计将于2025年3月完成。完整的研究结果将于2025年9月公布。
结论：本研究通过露天浴池模拟研究了VR对痴呆前期老年人孤独感的初步影响。VR体验可以使这些人群受益，特别是那些户外活动有限的人。量化VR的影响将有助于确定更大的临床试验的规模。定性结果将为参与机制提供信息，并指导未来试验的实施和设计。
背景：大学医院医疗信息网络UMIN000052667;https://tinyurl.com/3yaccay5.
■DERR1-10.2196/57101。
