Effects of virtual reality exercise for Korean adults with schizophrenia in a closed ward

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of virtual reality exercise (VRE) using Nintendo Wii-Fit on physical fitness of Korean adults with schizophrenia living in a mental health facility located in South Korea. Two male participants diagnosed with schizophrenia, ages 53 and 61, were recruited and selected for inclusion in this study. The intervention using the Nintendo Wii-Fit consisted of 35-min sessions, 3 times per week for 8 weeks and was facilitated by the primary researcher and two graduate students. The senior fitness test and 10-m walking test were used to measure the physical functioning, specifically, physical fitness and mobility, of the participants. The study was divided into three phases using an A-B-A single-subject design and involved multiple repeated measures of functional physical fitness. Both participants were evaluated each week for the duration of 18 weeks. Both participants exhibited measureable improvement in some of the physical fitness measures, but not in the mobility. These results thus provide preliminary evidence to support the use of VRE to improve physical function for Korean adults with schizophrenia as an alternative exercise regimen to the conventional exercise.

Effects of virtual reality-based aerobic endurance training on the functional fitness of healthy older adults: A systematic review

“…Similarly, some of the findings of the study by Valiani et al, as well as the study(30) by Barsasella,(27) coincide with the results of other studies,(32,33) in which improvements in capacities such as aerobic endurance, appendicular muscle strength, flexibility, and dynamic balance were also found after interventions with reality virtual. The results of these investigations, according to their authors, were probably presented thanks to the level of attraction and security generated by virtual environments, since these can facilitate adherence to exercise and continuity in its execution by the target populations.…”

“…This is attributed, according to this research, to the fact that immersion experiences, simulated environments, life-like experiences and visual feedback could possibly make it easier for participants to tolerate higher intensities of exercise and perceive less sensation of actual physical discomfort. (31) Similarly, some of the findings of the study by Valiani et al, as well as the study (30) by Barsasella,(27) coincide with the results of other studies, (32,33) in which improvements in capacities such as aerobic endurance, appendicular muscle strength, flexibility, and dynamic balance were also found after interventions with reality virtual. The results of these investigations, according to their authors, were probably presented thanks to the level of attraction and security generated by virtual environments, since these can facilitate adherence to exercise and continuity in its execution by the target populations.…”

“…The results of these investigations, according to their authors, were probably presented thanks to the level of attraction and security generated by virtual environments, since these can facilitate adherence to exercise and continuity in its execution by the target populations. (32,33)…”

“…In this sense, it is likely that extrinsic factors such as feedback, the ecological tasks provided to the user and the simulation of real environments offered by this type of technology, stimulate a series of psychological factors such as motivation, pleasure, fun, revitalization, and a sense of tranquility, achieving that the physiological effects of the types of exercises (which are purely biological factors), are enhanced and produce more significant improvements in the functional physical condition of the elderly than conventional training programs. (23,31,33,34) Moreover, extrinsic and psychological factors that are stimulated by the use of technologies such as virtual reality can provide multiple ways to perform activities and facilitate the adherence and establishment of exercise as a habit in this population. These advantages, in the end, are often more difficult to achieve or realize when working in the traditional way.…”

“…These advantages, in the end, are often more difficult to achieve or realize when working in the traditional way. (33)…”