About this trial
The goal of this randomized feasibility clinical trial is to identify participant recruitment and retention, acceptability, and adherence to virtual reality training in people undergoing hemodialysis. The main question it aims to answer is if virtual reality could be a feasible and acceptable intervention in this setting.
The investigators will compare participants on virtual reality training during the standard dialysis session with those treated with standard dialysis session alone to see if a cognitive training using immersive virtual reality in people on hemodialysis is feasible and acceptable.
Participants randomised in the intervention group will use virtual reality during the standard dialysis session for 30 minutes, three times a week for 12 weeks. The virtual reality intervention will consist of computerized cognitive training of 4 games. Each exercise delivered to the participant will specifically provide training in a specific cognitive category (memory, cognitive flexibility, processing, attention, and memory). Participants randomised in the control group will perform the standard hemodialysis session three times a week for 12 weeks, without using virtual reality.
Eligibility criteria
Qualifiers
Adult participants aged 18 years or older and less than or equal to 75 years of age
Receiving haemodialysis treatment for kidney failure for at least 90 days (permanent reduction in kidney function below an estimated glomerular filtration rate of 15 mL/minute per 1.73 m2)
Able to provide written and informed consent
Able to use the immersive virtual reality headset and follow instructions with sufficient motor, visual and auditory function to interact with the intervention
Disqualifiers
Severe cognitive impairment or psychiatric diseases leading to inability to follow instructions and use the virtual reality headset
Significant nystagmus and/or vertigo leading to inability to tolerate the virtual reality headset
Insufficient motor function to use the virtual reality system
Hearing or visual disability
Trial design
Treatments tested in this trial
- Virtual reality platform on head mounted display
Treatment groups
Sponsors and collaborators
University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli
Lead sponsor
University of Sydney
Collaborator
University of Bari Aldo Moro
Collaborator
University of Otago
Collaborator