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SchizophreniaNCT07173465

Comparison of the Effects of Physical Activity and Virtual Reality Training in Patients With Schizophrenia

A study testing Virtual Reality (VR), Physical Activity (PA group) and occupational therapy in people with Schizophrenia and Balance; Distorted, run by Yeditepe University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

The current study aims to compare the effects of physical activity and Virtual Reality training on physical function, cognition and quality of life in patients with Schizophrenia. It is hypothesized in the literature that both physical activity and VR may have positive effects on the symptoms of PwS. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 20 to 77 years
What is being tested?
Virtual Reality (VR), Physical Activity (PA group) and occupational therapy
Type of treatment
Medical device
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
45 participants
Where
1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
Study dates
26 May 2023to 2 Aug 2023
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 20 to 77 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Between the ages of 20 and 77 years old.
  • Willing to participate in research.
  • Diagnosed with Schizophrenia according to the criteria defined in the DSM-IV by a psychiatrist.
  • Able to attend Community Mental Health Center regularly.
  • Not diagnosed with a mental disability, alcoholism, or drug addiction.
  • Scoring 40 points or higher on the GAF test, indicating a non-severe mental state.
  • Capable of fully understanding the purpose and content of the research.
  • Able to participate in physical activity that requires musculoskeletal movement without difficulty, as determined by self-report.

Who cannot join

  • Have significant cardiovascular, neuromuscular, endocrine, or other disorders that might prevent safe participation in the study.
  • Have a diagnosis of alcohol or substance abuse.
  • Have a secondary diagnosis of neurological disease or disease associated with the consumption of toxins, addiction to technology, or compulsive gambling.
  • Unable to read, understand, or respond to assessment tests.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
  • Kartal Dr Lutfi Kirdar City Hospital

    Istanbul

Other trials in Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Official title: Comparison of the Effects of Physical Activity and Virtual Reality Training on Physical Function, Cognition and Quality of Life in Patients With Schizophrenia

The current study aims to compare the effects of physical activity and Virtual Reality training on physical function, cognition and quality of life in patients with Schizophrenia.

It is hypothesized in the literature that both physical activity and VR may have positive effects on the symptoms of PwS. Still, which modality may be more effective has yet to be discovered. By comparing the effects of physical activity and VR training on the symptoms of PwS, this study may provide valuable insights into the potential benefits of these interventions and inform the development of effective treatment strategies for PwS.

Our study will discuss this relationship, and the results will be presented.

Read the detailed description

1 INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE

Schizophrenia is a debilitating mental disorder characterized by disruptions in thinking, perception, emotions, and social functioning (1). Patients with schizophrenia (PwS) often experience impairments in physical function, cognition, and quality of life, which can significantly impact their overall well-being. As part of the pursuit to enhance treatment outcomes, researchers, including physical therapists, have explored various adjunctive therapies that can potentially alleviate these impairments. In this study, we aim to compare the effects of physical activity (PA) and virtual reality (VR) training on physical function, cognition, and quality of life in Patients with schizophrenia (PwS), compared to a control group that undergoes regular occupational therapy.

1.1 Background Physical activity has been recognized as a beneficial intervention for individuals with mental disorders, including schizophrenia (2). Engaging in regular physical activity has been associated with improved physical fitness, cardiovascular health, and muscle strength. Furthermore, studies have shown that physical activity can positively influence cognitive function, including attention, memory, and executive functions, in individuals with schizophrenia (2, 3). These improvements in physical and cognitive domains can potentially lead to enhanced quality of life for these individuals.

Virtual reality training, on the other hand, is an emerging therapeutic approach that provides immersive and interactive experiences through computer-generated simulations. While the benefits of physical activity have been extensively studied in schizophrenia, research investigating the specific effects of virtual reality training in this population is limited (4). There is a need to explore the potential benefits of VR in improving physical function, cognition, and quality of life in individuals with schizophrenia to expand our understanding of its therapeutic value.

1.2 Significance Understanding the comparative effects of physical activity and virtual reality training on physical function, cognition, and quality of life in Patients with schizophrenia (PwS), in comparison to the control group undergoing regular occupational therapy, holds significant importance. By comparing these interventions, we can identify their relative effectiveness and potential benefits in addressing the impairments associated with schizophrenia. This knowledge can inform clinicians, researchers, and healthcare professionals, including physical therapists, in making evidence-based decisions regarding the use of these interventions in clinical practice. Additionally, it may contribute to the development of personalized treatment approaches that optimize outcomes and improve the overall well-being of individuals with schizophrenia.

1.3 Overview This study describes a comparative analysis of three groups: a physical activity intervention group, a virtual reality training intervention group, and a control group that undergoes regular occupational therapy at the center. The study will recruit a sample of individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and randomly assign them to one of the three groups. Assessments of physical function, cognitive performance, and quality of life will be conducted before and after the interventions to evaluate the effectiveness of each approach. The findings of this study will contribute to the existing literature and inform the development of evidence-based interventions for individuals with schizophrenia, particularly in the context of physical therapy.

Being tested
Virtual Reality (VR), Physical Activity (PA group), occupational therapy
Keywords
schizophrenia, Virtual reality, Cognition
Medical subject headings
Schizophrenia, Cognitive Dysfunction

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Virtual Reality (VR)Device

    Participants will engage in the VR gaming intervention three times a week for 12 weeks. Each session will last approximately 45 minutes, providing ample gameplay, instruction, and debriefing time.

  • Physical Activity (PA group)Other

    The intervention includes a 5-minute warm-up, 10 minutes of strengthening exercises (lunges and squats), 20 minutes of balance and cardiovascular endurance activities (HIIT exercises), 20 minutes of aerobic exercises (stationary bike and dancing), and a 5-minute cool-down with breathing control. Participants also continue with personalized occupational therapy to enhance their functional abilities.

  • occupational therapyOther

    the group will undergo their normal occupational therapy activities that include drawing, coloring, mathematical problems as well as solving mazes

Study groups in NCT07173465
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Physical Activity (PA group)Active comparatorThe program will be comprised of (5 minutes) Warm-up (5 minutes) Strengthening exercises (Lunges- squats) (10 minutes) Balance and Cardiovascular endurance (HIIT-penguin seesaw- table tilt) (15 minutes) Aerobic ex (stationary bike- dancing) (5 minutes) Cool down exercises and breathing control. In addition to all these, the individuals will continue occupational therapy.
Receives: Device: Virtual Reality (VR)
Virtual Reality (VR) groupActive comparatorGroup 2 Virtual Reality (VR) group will undergo 45 minutes of the Nintendo Wii-FitTM game. First of all, it will start with games that include warm-up exercises ( 5 min) and then continue with games that include strengthening (5 min), balance (5 min) and aerobic exercises (15 min). Finally, the treatment will be terminated with games, including cool-down (5 min) exercises. In addition to all these, the individuals will continue occupational therapy.
Receives: Other: Physical Activity (PA group)
control groupSham comparatorThis group will undergo regular occupational therapy at the treatment center
Receives: Other: occupational therapy

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Simple Physical Activity Questionnaire

    The SIMPAQ is a five-point evaluation tool designed to assess physical activity and sedentary behavior in individuals with common mental disorders.

    Measured: 12 weeks

  2. Six minute walking test

    The 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) is a standardized physical performance test that measures the distance an individual can walk on a flat, hard surface in six minutes. It provides an objective assessment of functional exercise capacity, endurance, and overall mobility in daily life activities.

    Measured: 12 weeks

  3. The Mini-Mental State Examination

    The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is commonly used as a screening tool to assess cognitive function and detect cognitive impairments. While the MMSE is not specifically designed to evaluate cognitive deficits associated with schizophrenia, it can still provide some insights into general cognitive functioning in individuals with schizophrenia.

    In schizophrenia, cognitive impairments are frequently observed across various cognitive domains, including attention, working memory, executive function, verbal fluency, and processing speed. These cognitive deficits can significantly impact daily functioning, quality of life, and overall outcomes for individuals with schizophrenia.

    Measured: 12 weeks

  4. SF-36

    It is a widely used self-report questionnaire that assesses health-related quality of life (HRQoL)

    Measured: 12 weeks

  5. Berg Balance Scale

    Berg Balance Scale (BBS) is a standardized clinical test used to evaluate static and dynamic balance. It consists of 14 functional tasks, such as standing, reaching, and turning, each scored on a 5-point scale. The total score provides an objective measure of balance performance and fall risk in individuals.

    Measured: 12 weeks

  6. Time Up and Go Test

    The Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) is a standardized assessment that measures functional mobility. Participants are asked to stand up from a seated position, walk three meters, turn around, walk back, and sit down. The time taken to complete the task is recorded, providing an objective measure of mobility, balance, walking ability, and fall risk

    Measured: 12 weeks

  7. Sit to Stand test

    "The Sit-to-Stand Test is a functional performance measure used to assess lower limb strength, endurance, and mobility. Participants are asked to rise from a seated position to a full stand and return to sitting, repeated either for a set number of repetitions (e.g., five times) or within a fixed time period (e.g., 30 seconds). The total time or number of repetitions provides an objective indicator of lower body function and fall risk.

    Measured: 12 weeks

  8. Grip strength

    he Grip Strength Test is a standardized assessment of hand and forearm muscle strength. Participants are instructed to squeeze a calibrated hand dynamometer with maximum effort, usually in a seated position with the elbow at 90 degrees. The highest value from repeated trials is recorded, providing an objective measure of upper extremity strength and overall functional capacity

    Measured: 12 weeks

Secondary outcomes (3)
  1. Calgary Depression Scale

    The Calgary Depression Scale was developed by Addington et al. (1994) as a tool to measure the presence and severity of depressive symptoms in patients with schizophrenia.

    Measured: 12 weeks

  2. Katz Activities of Daily Living Scale

    The Katz Index of Independence in ADLs (Katz Index) is a widely used tool to assess basic activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, continence, and feeding.

    Measured: 12 weeks

  3. Lawton Brody Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale

    IADL is a commonly used tool to assess the level of independence in instrumental activities of daily living in older adults.

    Measured: 12 weeks

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted15 Sep 2025
  2. Study start26 May 2023
  3. Primary completion2 Jul 2023
  4. Study completion2 Aug 2023

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
Participants are assigned to one of two or more groups in parallel for the duration of the study.
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Participant
Enrolment
45 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07173465
Sponsor's protocol ID
64-2023
Status last verified
Sep 2025
First submitted
25 May 2023
Last updated
15 Sep 2025
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Virtual Reality (VR), Physical Activity (PA group) and occupational therapy in people with Schizophrenia and Balance; Distorted, run by Yeditepe University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 8 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 15 Sep 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Simple Physical Activity Questionnaire (time frame: 12 weeks). The study lists 8 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 15 Sep 2025.

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