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Down Syndrome Immersive Physical ActivityIN DOWNNCT07668908

Immersive Virtual Reality Program in Down Syndrome

A study testing RVI_Experimental_Immersive Virtual Reality Exergame and RVI_ControGroup_Immersive Virtual Reality Exergame in people with Down Syndrome Immersive Physical Activity, run by University of Vigo at 1 site in Spain.

Enrolling by invitation

Enrolling by invitation. The study team selects and invites participants, usually from an existing group of patients.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

The presented project aims to bring immersive technology to individuals with Down syndrome (DS) through the development of innovative proposals for acquiring skills and abilities, and enhancing their capabilities by combining the motor and cognitive components so important for this group. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 16 to 50 years
What is being tested?
RVI_Experimental_Immersive Virtual Reality Exergame and RVI_ControGroup_Immersive Virtual Reality Exergame
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
20 participants
Where
1 siteSpain
Study dates
22 Jan 2026to 1 Jul 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 16 to 50 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Child, Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Mild to moderate intellectual disability as reported by parents
  • Ability to follow simple verbal instructions in Spanish or Galician
  • Adequate physical condition to engage in a high-intensity exercise program. .

Who cannot join

  • Individuals who had participated in a high-intensity exercise program within the previous three months
  • Those with concurrent medical conditions such as chronic arthritis, autism, unrepaired congenital heart defect; or a history of violent episodes, elopement, aggressive behavior, or antisocial conduct; presenting severe visual or auditory disturbances, vertigo, psychosis or uncontrolled epilepsy that would prevent the sessions being carried out.
  • -
  • -

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Spain1 site
  • Xuntos Down Pontevedra

    Pontevedra, Pontevedra, 36003

Other trials in Spain

About this study

Official title: Integration and Equal Opportunities for People With Down Syndrome: An Innovative Proposal Through Immersive Virtual Reality

The presented project aims to bring immersive technology to individuals with Down syndrome (DS) through the development of innovative proposals for acquiring skills and abilities, and enhancing their capabilities by combining the motor and cognitive components so important for this group. Various strategies have been used to improve the functionality (physical and cognitive) and quality of life of people with DS; however, one of the problems observed in practice is the low motivation and commitment to the interventions being implemented. In response to this problem, the use of technology and gamified environments has been proposed in recent years to make therapies more engaging. Therefore, this project arises with the objective of developing and evaluating the effects of an immersive intervention program on the physical and cognitive abilities of individuals with Down syndrome.

Read the detailed description

Down syndrome is the leading cause of intellectual disability and one of the most common genetic disorders, with an estimated prevalence of approximately 34,000 individuals in Spain and around 3,000 in Galicia. This population presents physical, motor, cognitive, and communication characteristics that affect functional ability and independence throughout life, including muscle hypotonia, difficulties in information processing, memory and attention impairments, and delayed language development.

Although various intervention strategies have been developed to improve functionality and quality of life in individuals with Down syndrome, a key limitation in practice is low motivation and adherence to traditional programs. In this context, technology-based and gamified interventions have shown potential to enhance engagement and improve motor outcomes, particularly balance and physical performance.

However, previous evidence has mainly focused on non-immersive exergaming, with limited research on immersive virtual reality approaches. Therefore, this study aims to develop and evaluate an immersive intervention program designed to improve physical and cognitive capacities in individuals with Down syndrome.

Being tested
RVI_Experimental_Immersive Virtual Reality Exergame, RVI_ControGroup_Immersive Virtual Reality Exergame
Keywords
physical activity, exergames, usability, accessibility, virtual reality, Training program
Medical subject headings
Motor Activity

What participants receive

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

  • RVI_Experimental_Immersive Virtual Reality ExergameBehavioural

    Participants assigned to the experimental group wil complete a 12-week immersive virtual reality (IVR) intervention based on high-intensity gamified physical exercise, with two (2) supervised sessions per week. The program will be conducted in a controlled environment within the participants' center gym and will be supervised by exercise and health professionals.

    The exergames used will be:

    Beat Saber (Beat Games) (6 sessions): Participants perform upper-limb and whole-body movements by hitting virtual targets in time with music, promoting coordination, reaction time, and cardiovascular fitness.

    FitXR (14 sessions): A virtual reality training program based on high-intensity interval training (HIIT), boxing, and functional movement exercises. It enhances cardiovascular endurance, motor coordinat and cognitive engagement through structured tasks with progressively increasing difficulty levels. Alcove VR (1 session): Used as an initial familiarization and adaptat

  • RVI_ControGroup_Immersive Virtual Reality ExergameBehavioural

    Participants assigned to the experimental group wil complete a 12-week immersive virtual reality (IVR) intervention based on high-intensity gamified physical exercise, with one (1) supervised sessions per week. The program will be conducted in a controlled environment within the participants' center gym and will be supervised by exercise and health professionals. The exergames used will be: Beat Saber (Beat Games) (3 sessions): Participants perform upper-limb and whole-body movements by hitting virtual targets in time with music, promoting coordination, reaction time, and cardiovascular fitness. FitXR (FitXR Ltd., London, UK) (7 sessions): A virtual reality training program based on high-intensity interval training (HIIT), boxing, and functional movement exercises. It enhances cardiovascular endurance, motor coordinat and cognitive engagement through structured tasks with progressively increasing difficulty levels. Alcove VR (1 session): Used as an initial familiarization and adaptat

Study groups in NCT07668908
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
RVI_E_Immersive Virtual Reality ExergameExperimentalParticipants will complete a 12-week immersive virtual reality (VR) intervention based on high-intensity, gamified physical exercise, with two (2) supervised sessions per week. The program will take place in a controlled environment within the participants' center's gym and will be supervised by fitness and health professionals.
Receives: Behavioral: RVI_Experimental_Immersive Virtual Reality Exergame
RVI_ControGroup_Immersive Virtual Reality ExergamePlacebo comparatorParticipants will complete a 12-week immersive virtual reality (VR) intervention based on high-intensity, gamified physical exercise, with one (1) supervised sessions per week. The program will take place in a controlled environment within the participants' center's gym and will be supervised by fitness and health professionals.
Receives: Behavioral: RVI_ControGroup_Immersive Virtual Reality Exergame

What is being measured

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

  1. 1. Assessment body composition

    Description: Body composition was assessed using the Tanita MC-780 bioelectrical impedance analyzer. Measured variables included fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), muscle mass (MM), total body water (TBW), and segmental body composition of the trunk and limbs.

    Unit of Measurement:

    Fat Mass (FM): kg Fat-Free Mass (FFM): kg Muscle Mass (MM): kg Total Body Water (TBW): kg Segmental Body Composition: kg

    Interpretation: Higher FFM, MM, and TBW indicate better physical fitness. Lower FM indicates better body composition.

    Measured: 12 weeks

  2. Assessment usability

    1. System usability will be assessed using the System Usability Scale (SUS), a validated 10-item questionnaire. Scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better usability.

    Unit of Measure:

    SUS score (0-100)

    Interpretation:

    Scores ≥68 indicate acceptable usability; scores >80 indicate excellent usability.

    Measured: 12 weeks

  3. Cognitive parameters: Executive function

    Description: Clock Drawing Test (CDT) Participants are asked to draw an analog clock and set the hands to a specified time. Performance is scored using methods such as TRO and TCR, which evaluate the accuracy and organization of the drawing.

    Unit of measurement

    Total CDT score (scoring scale) ( 0-20 points)

    Interpretation

    Higher scores: better cognitive performance, particularly in executive and visuospatial functions Lower scores: possible impairment in planning, spatial organization, and other cognitive functions

    Measured: 12 weeks

  4. Assessment Aerobic endurance

    2-Minute Step Test Participants march in place for 2 minutes, raising their knees to a specified height. The total number of correctly completed steps is recorded.

    Unit of measurement Number of steps completed in 2 minutes Interpretation Higher scores: better aerobic capacity and physical fitness Lower scores: reduced endurance and lower cardiorespiratory fitness

    Measured: 12 weeks

  5. Health-related quality of life

    Description:

    Health-related quality of life will be assessed using the KidsLife-Down Questionnaire, a validated instrument for individuals with Down syndrome that evaluates eight domains of quality of life and provides standardized scores and percentiles.

    Unit of Measure:

    KidsLife-Down total standardized score (scale)

    Interpretation:

    Higher scores indicate better quality of life and well-being. Lower scores indicate greater limitations in quality of life and daily functioning.

    Measured: 12 weeks

  6. Assessment Safety and cybersickness symptoms

    Safety and cybersickness symptoms will be assessed using the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ). Higher scores indicate greater severity of cybersickness symptoms.

    Unit of Measure:

    SSQ total score

    Interpretation:

    Lower scores indicate better tolerability and safety; a score of 0 indicates no symptoms.

    Measured: 12 weeks

  7. Assessment user experience and engagement

    User experience and engagement will be assessed using the Game Experience Questionnaire (GEQ - Post-Game Module). Items are rated from 0 to

    Unit of Measure:

    GEQ subscale scores (0-4)

    Interpretation:

    Higher scores indicate better experience for positive dimensions and poorer experience for negative dimensions.

    Measured: 12 weeks

  8. Cognitive parameters: processing speed

    Description: Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) Participants match symbols to corresponding numbers using a reference key and complete as many correct pairings as possible within a time limit.

    Unit of measurement

    Number of correct responses (raw score)

    Interpretation

    Higher scores: better attention, faster processing speed, and higher cognitive efficiency Lower scores: reduced attention, slower processing speed, and poorer cognitive performance

    Measured: 12 weeks

  9. Assessment Dynamic balance

    Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test The participant stands up from a chair, walks a set distance (usually 3 meters), turns, walks back, and sits down. The total time is recorded.

    Unit of measurement Seconds (time to complete the test) Interpretation Lower times: better mobility, balance, and functional performance Higher times: impaired mobility, poorer balance, and increased risk of falls

    Measured: 12 weeks

  10. Assessment Upper body muscular strength

    Handgrip Strength (Jamar Dynamometer)

    Participants squeeze a Jamar hand dynamometer with maximum voluntary force, usually with the dominant hand or both hands depending on protocol.

    Unit of measurement

    • Kilograms (kg) Interpretation
    • Higher values: greater muscular strength and better physical condition
    • Lower values: reduced strength and poorer physical fitness

    Measured: 12 weeks

  11. Assessment Lower limb strength

    Five Sit to stand Test (5STS) Participants perform five full squats as quickly and safely as possible. The total time to complete the five repetitions is recorded.

    Unit of measurement Seconds (time to complete 5 squats) Interpretation Lower times: greater lower limb strength and better functional capacity Higher times: reduced strength and poorer functional performance

    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 posted25 Jun 2026
  2. Study start22 Jan 2026
  3. Primary completion30 Jun 2026 (estimated)
  4. Study completion1 Jul 2026 (estimated)

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
Masking
Quadruple blind
Who is masked
Participant, Care provider, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
20 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07668908
Sponsor's protocol ID
CEIHG 2023-00125
Acronym
IN DOWN
Status last verified
Jun 2026
First submitted
9 Jun 2026
Last updated
25 Jun 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing RVI_Experimental_Immersive Virtual Reality Exergame and RVI_ControGroup_Immersive Virtual Reality Exergame in people with Down Syndrome Immersive Physical Activity, run by University of Vigo at 1 site in Spain.

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 3 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: enrolling by invitation, as of the sponsor's last update on 25 Jun 2026. 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 Spain. 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?

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?

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?

1. Assessment body composition (time frame: 12 weeks). The study lists 11 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 25 Jun 2026.

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