Home › Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis › NCT07392879

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

Who can join

Ages 18 and older · All sexes

Inclusion Criteria:

* 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 Criteria:

* 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.

About the study

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.

What is being tested

• Virtual Reality (device)
• Standard care (other)

Sponsor: University of Michigan · Participants: 40 · Started: Dec 15, 2025

Contact the study team

• Zee Petrie · Phone: 734- 764- 5249

Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT07392879

Locations in the U.S.

Conditions

• Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
• Depression

From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.