Unchartered waters: Swinburne explores how virtual sailing could treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in world first trial

Virtual sailing could be a key intervention of mental health treatment, as Swinburne University of Technology launches a world first project aimed at developing a new digital exercise approach to manage Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).

The Swinburne researchers will use the cutting-edge technology of industry partner Virtual Sailing, which involves a sailing simulator (a boat with highly realistic movement on sailing navigation) and a computer with a screen.

​The research will conduct a controlled clinical trial combining virtual reality with sailing, measuring participants’ brain activity and investigating its effectiveness as an intervention to treat MDD. The project combines Swinburne’s research strengths in neuroscience, exercise science and digital health.

Sailing is a recreational exercise that involves visual perception and motor learning in a stimulating environment. The trial aims to delve deeper into the benefits of exercise-based therapy, which is widely acknowledged for its positive impact on mental health. However, as an intervention for MDD, virtual sailing is favoured over traditional water-based activities due to its inclusivity and accessibility. This method enables individuals, including those with disabilities or disadvantages, to reap the benefits of sailing while performing the activity safely on dry land under carefully controlled conditions.

By merging cutting-edge technology with an immersive sailing experience, participants will engage in active motor learning activities, a key component of the study. The technology includes real-time interaction between the simulator’s movements and the person controlling the boats steering and sails.

​“We can transform lives”: Swinburne research lead

Major Depressive Disorder is a prevalent chronic psychiatric disorder and poses a significant socioeconomic burden, with direct and indirect costs exceeding $1100 million.

Lead Swinburne researcher Dr Junhua Xiao says the project aims to establish an evidence-based strategy for future cost-cutting clinical use.

“Despite the staggering economic impact, there are few effective strategies known for managing MDD, in particular people with treatment resistance. This project hopes to fill this critical gap,” said Dr Xiao.

The research is supported by a $100k funding injection from the Victorian Medical Research Acceleration Fund, marking the first virtual sailing academic-industry partnership of its kind.

Dr Xiao says this collaboration represents a significant step forward in mental health research and treatment.

“Building upon Swinburne’s research eco-system, this collaboration exemplifies the potential of academic-industry partnerships to transform lives and drive meaningful health innovation and impact."

The benefits could go beyond just MDD

The impact of this research extends beyond just treatment for MDD and could pave the way for potential future treatments for conditions such as dementia.

The portable virtual sailing technology has the potential for widespread implementation in community healthcare services, hospitals, and aged care facilities.

Virtual Sailing Managing Director and CEO Norman Saunders says if the trial is successful, this intervention approach could be rolled out in Victorian and other state health and wellness centres.

“The combination of physical and cognitive activity required has been shown in preliminary studies to be medically beneficial,” Saunders said.