Virtual Reality for Cognitive Impairment in Hemodialysis

ConditionHemodialysis
Trial statusNot yet recruiting
Trial phasePhase 2
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age18-75
SponsorUniversity of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli

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

60 Participants
are divided into 2 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