Cognitive DysfunctionsNCT07242495
Additional Effects of Immersive vr 360 Degree Videos With Aerobic Exercises on Cognitive Functions in Elderly With Mild Cognitive Impairment
A study testing VR 360 degree Videos and Aerobic Chair Exercises intervention and Chair Aerobic Exercises in people with Cognitive Dysfunctions and Cognitive Disorder, run by Foundation University Islamabad at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
One of the key challenges faced by individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is the decline in cognitive abilities, particularly global cognition, attention, and executive function, which are essential for maintaining independence and performing daily activities. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 60 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Cognitive Dysfunctions, Cognitive Disorder, Cognitive Decline
- What is being tested?
- VR 360 degree Videos and Aerobic Chair Exercises intervention and Chair Aerobic Exercises
- Type of treatment
- Surgery or procedure
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 34 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 14 Sep 2024to 10 Jan 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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 60 years and older
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Older population aged from 60years and above
- Normal/ normal to corrected vision
- MoCA Score of 18-25 for screening / MCI patients
- Can do Independent ADLS
Who cannot join
- Individuals with preexisting conditions such as severe motion sickness that could be exacerbated by VR usage.
- Communication impairments
- Participants with other neurological disorders.
- Sensory deficits (such as uncontrolled hearing or visual issues)
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Pakistan1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Foundation University College of Physical Therapy
Islamabad, 46000
Kiran Khushnood, MS-NMPT, +92333-5993417, kiran.khushnood@fui.edu.pk
About this study
One of the key challenges faced by individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is the decline in cognitive abilities, particularly global cognition, attention, and executive function, which are essential for maintaining independence and performing daily activities. Impaired cognition can significantly reduce quality of life in older adults, leading to difficulties in managing routine tasks, reduced social engagement, and increased dependency on caregivers. Common signs and symptoms include forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, slower problem-solving, and challenges in planning or organizing daily activities. This study aims to explore and compare the effectiveness of two interventions-immersive Virtual Reality (VR) 360-degree videos combined with aerobic exercises, and aerobic exercises alone-in improving cognitive functions in older adults with MCI. Key outcome measures, including the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Trail Making Test (TMT), will evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions on global cognition, attention, and executive function. We will include older adults aged 60 years and above with MoCA scores between 18-25 (MCI patients), who are able to perform independent ADLs. The participants will be assessed at the start of the intervention through the MoCA scale for MCI screening and baseline TMT testing for inclusion.
Read the detailed description
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a transitional stage between normal aging and dementia, characterized by a noticeable decline in cognitive abilities that does not yet significantly interfere with daily functioning. The prevalence of MCI in older adults is estimated to be around 15-20%, and individuals with this condition often face challenges in memory, attention, and executive function. These impairments can reduce independence, limit participation in daily activities, and increase the risk of progression to dementia or Alzheimer's disease. One of the major consequences of cognitive decline is difficulty in maintaining attention and executive control, which are essential for managing everyday tasks such as planning, organizing, and problem-solving. This decline not only affects quality of life but also places a greater burden on caregivers and healthcare systems.
Non-pharmacological interventions have gained increasing attention as pharmacological treatments have shown limited effectiveness in slowing the progression of MCI. Aerobic exercise has long been recognized for its positive effects on both physical and cognitive health, improving blood flow, neuroplasticity, and memory functions. More recently, immersive Virtual Reality (VR) 360-degree videos have emerged as a promising tool for cognitive rehabilitation. VR provides enriched sensory stimulation and engaging environments that can enhance attention, memory, and executive processes by immersing individuals in interactive and stimulating experiences.
This study aims to determine the additional effects of combining immersive VR 360-degree videos with aerobic exercises on cognitive functions in elderly individuals with MCI. By comparing two interventions-VR 360-degree videos with aerobic exercises versus aerobic exercises alone-this research seeks to evaluate whether VR can amplify the cognitive benefits of exercise. The intervention group will undergo a 6-week program consisting of VR 360-degree videos combined with aerobic exercises, starting with 15-minute sessions twice a week and progressing up to 25 minutes. The control group will perform chair-based aerobic exercises of the same duration and frequency without VR.
Key outcome measures, including the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Trail Making Test (TMT), will be used to assess global cognition, attention, and executive function. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, mid-point (3rd week), and post-intervention (6th week). Participants will be older adults aged 60 years and above with MoCA scores between 18-25, who are able to perform independent activities of daily living. Eligible participants will be recruited through non-probability convenient sampling and randomly assigned into two groups using the coin toss method.
This single-blinded randomized controlled trial will be conducted at Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi, over the course of one year following ethical approval. By exploring the combined effects of VR and aerobic exercise, this study aims to provide valuable insights into innovative, accessible, and engaging interventions that can support cognitive health in older adults with MCI, ultimately improving their quality of life and delaying further cognitive decline.
- Being tested
- VR 360 degree Videos and Aerobic Chair Exercises intervention, Chair Aerobic Exercises
- Keywords
- Cognitive rehabilitation, Virtual Reality, Mild cognitive Impairment, Elderly, Aerobic exercise
- Medical subject headings
- Cognitive Dysfunction
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
VR 360 degree Videos and Aerobic Chair Exercises interventionProcedure or surgery
Combination of immersive VR 360° videos and structured chair-based aerobic exercises Session Duration: Starts at 15 minutes, progresses up to 25 minutes Frequency: 2 sessions per week Total Duration: 6 weeks VR Content: Forest, wildlife, space, wildlife, solar system, waterfalls, room environments
Aerobic Exercises: Chair-based aerobic exercises (upper and lower limb movements, arm raises) Additional Task: Short memory recall activity to explain the main events, details and characters in the VR 360 degree video at the end of each VR session.
Chair Aerobic ExercisesProcedure or surgery
Chair aerobic exercises 15 min/day with progression upto 25 min, 2 days a week, for 6 weeks.
Chair aerobic exercise includes:
- Alternate heel digs with bilateral biceps curl 8 repetitions per session.
- V- Step with bilateral hammer curls 8 repetitions per session.
- Lateral step touch with bilateral biceps curls 8 repetitions per session.
- Knee lift 8 repetitions per session.
- Arm swings 8 repetitions per session.
- Clap swing 8 repetitions per session.
- Sit, stand and clap 8 repetitions per session
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| VR 360 degree Videos and Aerobic Chair Exercises intervention | Experimental | Intervention: Combination of immersive VR 360° videos and structured chair-based aerobic exercises Session Duration: Starts at 15 minutes, progresses up to 25 minutes Frequency: 2 sessions per week Total Duration: 6 weeks VR Content: Forest, wildlife, space, wildlife, solar system, waterfalls, room environments
Aerobic Exercises: Chair-based aerobic exercises (upper and lower limb movements, rhythmic seated marching, arm raises) Additional Task: Short memory recall activity to explain the main events, details and characters in the VR 360 degree video at the end of each VR session Receives: Procedure: VR 360 degree Videos and Aerobic Chair Exercises intervention |
| Chair Aerobic Exercises | Active comparator | Chair aerobic exercises 15 min/day with progression upto 25 min, 2 days a week, for 6 weeks.
Chair aerobic exercise includes:
1. Alternate heel digs with bilateral biceps curl 8 repetitions per session.
2. V- Step with bilateral hammer curls 8 repetitions per session.
3. Lateral step touch with bilateral biceps curls 8 repetitions per session.
4. Knee lift 8 repetitions per session.
5. Arm swings 8 repetitions per session.
6. Clap swing 8 repetitions per session.
7. Sit, stand and clap 8 repetitions per session Receives: Procedure: Chair Aerobic Exercises |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Cognitive function
Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) will be used for this. Values:
26-30 = Normal cognition 18-25 = Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) 10-17 = Moderate cognitive impairment
\<10 = Severe cognitive impairment
Measured: 6 weeks
Attention
Trail Making Test will be used for this. Values:
TMT-A:
\<40 seconds = Above average 40-60 seconds = Average
TMT-B:
\<75 seconds = Above average 75-180 seconds = Average
Measured: 6 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted21 Nov 2025
- Study start14 Sep 2024
- Primary completion10 Dec 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion10 Jan 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Cognitive DysfunctionsStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Foundation University IslamabadThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
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
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 34 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Foundation University Islamabad
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07242495
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- FUI/CTR/2025/09
- Status last verified
- Nov 2025
- First submitted
- 17 Nov 2025
- Last updated
- 21 Nov 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 21 Nov 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Additional Effects of Immersive vr 360 Degree Videos With Aerobic Exercises on Cognitive Functions in Elderly With Mild Cognitive Impairment
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07242495
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- FUI/CTR/2025/09
- Keywords
- Cognitive rehabilitation, Virtual Reality, Mild cognitive Impairment, Elderly, Aerobic exercise
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 34 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Foundation University IslamabadUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 14 Sep 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 10 Dec 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 10 Jan 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 21 Nov 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
One of the key challenges faced by individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is the decline in cognitive abilities, particularly global cognition, attention, and executive function, which are essential for maintaining independence and performing daily activities. Impaired cognition can significantly reduce quality of life in older adults, leading to difficulties in managing routine tasks, reduced social engagement, and increased dependency on caregivers. Common signs and symptoms include forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, slower problem-solving, and challenges in planning or organizing daily activities. This study aims to explore and compare the effectiveness of two interventions-immersive Virtual Reality (VR) 360-degree videos combined with aerobic exercises, and aerobic exercises alone-in improving cognitive functions in older adults with MCI. Key outcome measures, including the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Trail Making Test (TMT), will evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions on global cognition, attention, and executive function. We will include older adults aged 60 years and above with MoCA scores between 18-25 (MCI patients), who are able to perform independent ADLs. The participants will be assessed at the start of the intervention through the MoCA scale for MCI screening and baseline TMT testing for inclusion.
Detailed description
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a transitional stage between normal aging and dementia, characterized by a noticeable decline in cognitive abilities that does not yet significantly interfere with daily functioning. The prevalence of MCI in older adults is estimated to be around 15-20%, and individuals with this condition often face challenges in memory, attention, and executive function. These impairments can reduce independence, limit participation in daily activities, and increase the risk of progression to dementia or Alzheimer's disease. One of the major consequences of cognitive decline is difficulty in maintaining attention and executive control, which are essential for managing everyday tasks such as planning, organizing, and problem-solving. This decline not only affects quality of life but also places a greater burden on caregivers and healthcare systems.
Non-pharmacological interventions have gained increasing attention as pharmacological treatments have shown limited effectiveness in slowing the progression of MCI. Aerobic exercise has long been recognized for its positive effects on both physical and cognitive health, improving blood flow, neuroplasticity, and memory functions. More recently, immersive Virtual Reality (VR) 360-degree videos have emerged as a promising tool for cognitive rehabilitation. VR provides enriched sensory stimulation and engaging environments that can enhance attention, memory, and executive processes by immersing individuals in interactive and stimulating experiences.
This study aims to determine the additional effects of combining immersive VR 360-degree videos with aerobic exercises on cognitive functions in elderly individuals with MCI. By comparing two interventions-VR 360-degree videos with aerobic exercises versus aerobic exercises alone-this research seeks to evaluate whether VR can amplify the cognitive benefits of exercise. The intervention group will undergo a 6-week program consisting of VR 360-degree videos combined with aerobic exercises, starting with 15-minute sessions twice a week and progressing up to 25 minutes. The control group will perform chair-based aerobic exercises of the same duration and frequency without VR.
Key outcome measures, including the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Trail Making Test (TMT), will be used to assess global cognition, attention, and executive function. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, mid-point (3rd week), and post-intervention (6th week). Participants will be older adults aged 60 years and above with MoCA scores between 18-25, who are able to perform independent activities of daily living. Eligible participants will be recruited through non-probability convenient sampling and randomly assigned into two groups using the coin toss method.
This single-blinded randomized controlled trial will be conducted at Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi, over the course of one year following ethical approval. By exploring the combined effects of VR and aerobic exercise, this study aims to provide valuable insights into innovative, accessible, and engaging interventions that can support cognitive health in older adults with MCI, ultimately improving their quality of life and delaying further cognitive decline.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| VR 360 degree Videos and Aerobic Chair Exercises intervention | Experimental | Procedure: VR 360 degree Videos and Aerobic Chair Exercises interventionIntervention: Combination of immersive VR 360° videos and structured chair-based aerobic exercises Session Duration: Starts at 15 minutes, progresses up to 25 minutes Frequency: 2 sessions per week Total Duration: 6 weeks VR Content: Forest, wildlife, space, wildlife, solar system, waterfalls, room environments Aerobic Exercises: Chair-based aerobic exercises (upper and lower limb movements, rhythmic seated marching, arm raises) Additional Task: Short memory recall activity to explain the main events, details and characters in the VR 360 degree video at the end of each VR session |
| Chair Aerobic Exercises | Active comparator | Procedure: Chair Aerobic ExercisesChair aerobic exercises 15 min/day with progression upto 25 min, 2 days a week, for 6 weeks. Chair aerobic exercise includes: 1. Alternate heel digs with bilateral biceps curl 8 repetitions per session. 2. V- Step with bilateral hammer curls 8 repetitions per session. 3. Lateral step touch with bilateral biceps curls 8 repetitions per session. 4. Knee lift 8 repetitions per session. 5. Arm swings 8 repetitions per session. 6. Clap swing 8 repetitions per session. 7. Sit, stand and clap 8 repetitions per session |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 60 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Older population aged from 60years and above
- Normal/ normal to corrected vision
- MoCA Score of 18-25 for screening / MCI patients
- Can do Independent ADLS
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Individuals with preexisting conditions such as severe motion sickness that could be exacerbated by VR usage.
- Communication impairments
- Participants with other neurological disorders.
- Sensory deficits (such as uncontrolled hearing or visual issues)
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| VR 360 degree Videos and Aerobic Chair Exercises interventionCombination of immersive VR 360° videos and structured chair-based aerobic exercises Session Duration: Starts at 15 minutes, progresses up to 25 minutes Frequency: 2 sessions per week Total Duration: 6 weeks VR Content: Forest, wildlife, space, wildlife, solar system, waterfalls, room environments Aerobic Exercises: Chair-based aerobic exercises (upper and lower limb movements, arm raises) Additional Task: Short memory recall activity to explain the main events, details and characters in the VR 360 degree video at the end of each VR session. | Procedure or surgery | VR 360 degree Videos and Aerobic Chair Exercises intervention |
| Chair Aerobic ExercisesChair aerobic exercises 15 min/day with progression upto 25 min, 2 days a week, for 6 weeks. Chair aerobic exercise includes: 1. Alternate heel digs with bilateral biceps curl 8 repetitions per session. 2. V- Step with bilateral hammer curls 8 repetitions per session. 3. Lateral step touch with bilateral biceps curls 8 repetitions per session. 4. Knee lift 8 repetitions per session. 5. Arm swings 8 repetitions per session. 6. Clap swing 8 repetitions per session. 7. Sit, stand and clap 8 repetitions per session | Procedure or surgery | Chair Aerobic Exercises |
Primary outcome
Cognitive function
Time frame: 6 weeks
Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) will be used for this. Values: 26-30 = Normal cognition 18-25 = Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) 10-17 = Moderate cognitive impairment \<10 = Severe cognitive impairment
Attention
Time frame: 6 weeks
Trail Making Test will be used for this. Values: TMT-A: \<40 seconds = Above average 40-60 seconds = Average TMT-B: \<75 seconds = Above average 75-180 seconds = Average
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 21 Nov 2025.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing VR 360 degree Videos and Aerobic Chair Exercises intervention and Chair Aerobic Exercises in people with Cognitive Dysfunctions and Cognitive Disorder, run by Foundation University Islamabad at 1 site in Pakistan.
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 4 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: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 21 Nov 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 Pakistan. 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. 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?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Zara Amir, DPT (+92 3498273139, sp24npt011@fui.edu.pk), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Cognitive function (time frame: 6 weeks). The study lists 2 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 21 Nov 2025.