A VR-based nature intervention is feasible and acceptable in long-term care facilities, with potential psychosocial effects including improved sleep quality.
This feasibility study protocol will assess the feasibility and acceptability of a 12-session VR-based nature intervention (360° forest video) in two long-term care facilities, involving 10 residents and 10 nursing staff. The primary outcome is qualitative feasibility, while secondary outcomes include sleep quality, anxiety, depressive symptoms, wellbeing, loneliness, and trust in nursing staff. The study is not yet completed, so no effect sizes are reported.
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A VR-based nature intervention is feasible and acceptable in long-term care facilities, with potential psychosocial effects including improved sleep quality. The current body of evidence comprises 1 study. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 32/100 (low).
The Claim
A VR-based nature intervention is feasible and acceptable in long-term care facilities, with potential psychosocial effects including improved sleep quality.
This conclusion is most relevant to: Residents and nursing staff from two long-term care facilities (10 residents, 10 staff)..
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸VR-based nature interventions for health promotion in long-term care facilities (Nature Boost)-a mixed-methods feasibility study protocol. (Frontiers in digital health, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸VR nature exposure provides immersive sensory experience
- ▸May reduce stress and anxiety through relaxation response
- ▸Improved mood and wellbeing may facilitate better sleep
- ▸Result: Potential improvement in sleep quality and psychosocial outcomes
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Residents and nursing staff from two long-term care facilities (10 residents, 10 staff).
Recommended Dose
15 minutes per session, 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks (total 12 sessions).
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸This is a feasibility study protocol, not yet completed; results are not available.
- ▸Small sample size (10 residents, 10 staff) limits generalizability.
- ▸No control group, so causal effects cannot be established.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Nature Boost VR intervention?▼
It is a 12-session virtual reality-based nature intervention using a 360° forest video, delivered three times per week for four weeks, with each session lasting 15 minutes.
Who is the target population for this study?▼
Residents and nursing staff from long-term care facilities, with 10 residents and 10 staff participating.
What outcomes are being measured?▼
Primary outcome is feasibility (qualitative). Secondary outcomes include sleep quality, anxiety, depressive symptoms, wellbeing, loneliness, and trust in nursing staff.
Is this a randomized controlled trial?▼
No, it is a two-centre feasibility study with a mixed-methods design, focusing on qualitative evaluation, and is a precursor to a future RCT.
References
- 1.Sieverding N, Czakert J, Ngandeu Schepanski S, Stritter W, Seifert G. “VR-based nature interventions for health promotion in long-term care facilities (Nature Boost)-a mixed-methods feasibility study protocol..” Frontiers in digital health, 2026. PMID: 42534926 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2026.1727618