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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.

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.

Last updated: Aug 4, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score32/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. VR-based nature interventions for health promotion in long-term care facilities (Nature Boost)-a mixed-methods feasibility study protocol.

observational

Sieverding N, Czakert J, Ngandeu Schepanski S, Stritter W, Seifert G · Frontiers in digital health (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 4 weeks
Intervention: 12 sessions of 15-minute virtual reality sessions using a 360° forest video, three times per week for four weeks; six residents also receive weekly support from nursing staff.
Outcome: Feasibility (qualitative), sleep quality, anxiety, depressive symptoms, wellbeing, loneliness, trust in nursing staff.
Effect Size: N/A
Population: Residents and nursing staff from two long-term care facilities (10 residents, 10 staff).

Result:

PubMed: 42534926DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2026.1727618

Mechanism Graph

VR nature exposure provides immersive sensory experience
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May reduce stress and anxiety through relaxation response
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Improved mood and wellbeing may facilitate better sleep
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Result: Potential improvement in sleep quality and psychosocial outcomes

Limitations

  • ⚠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.

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References

  1. 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
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.