Immersive virtual reality as physical therapy in older adults: present or future (systematic review)

Campo-Prieto, Pablo; Cancela, José M.; Fuentes, Gustavo Rodríguez

doi:10.1007/s10055-020-00495-x

Cited by 38 publications

(32 citation statements)

References 77 publications

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“…The creation of more immersive VR technologies, which are now accessible and commercially available, has allowed for the distribution of VR-based exergames to aid the immersion and interaction of players in virtual environments and potentially create an engaging experience to encourage physical activity participation [ 51 ]. The main difference of VR exergames compared with traditional exergames is the use of head-mounted displays to provide a more immersive experience, potentially leading to a more consistent feeling of presence and agency [ 52 ]. However, deploying VR exergaming technology for older adults’ at-home exercise, especially during a pandemic, can be complex for various reasons, such as (1) technology access (eg, the cost is still similar to state-of-the-art video gaming consoles) [ 47 ], (2) technical complexities (eg, hardware calibration and launching the games as well as content appropriateness), (3) older adults’ technology literacy, and (4) challenges of remote deployment and testing to capture potential physical and mental outcome measures [ 52 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Immersive Virtual Reality Exergames to Promote the Well-being of Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Pilot Study

Mehrabi¹,

Muñoz²,

Basharat³

et al. 2022

JMIR Res Protoc

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Background Despite the proven benefits of exercise in older adults, challenges such as access and motivation can deter their engagement. Interactive virtual reality (VR) games combined with exercise (exergames) are a plausible strategy to encourage physical activity among this population. However, there has been little research on the feasibility, acceptability, and potential benefits of deploying at-home VR exergames among community-dwelling older adults. Objective The objectives of this study are to estimate the feasibility, usability, and acceptability of a co-designed VR exergame in community-dwelling older adults; examine intervention feasibility and assessment protocols for a future large-scale trial; and provide pilot data on outcomes of interest (physical activity, exercise self-efficacy, mood, cognition, perception, and gameplay metrics). Methods The study will be a remote, 6-week intervention comprising an experimental and a control group. A sample of at least 12 community-dwelling older adults (with no or mild cognitive impairment) will be recruited for each group. Both groups will follow the same study procedures and assessment methods. However, the experimental group will engage with a co-designed VR exergame (Seas The Day) thrice weekly for approximately 20 minutes using the Oculus Quest 2 (Facebook Reality Labs) VR headset. The control group will read (instead of playing Seas The Day) thrice weekly for approximately 20 minutes over the 6-week period. A mixed methods evaluation will be used. Changes in physical activity, exercise self-efficacy, mood, cognition, and perception will be compared before and after acute data as well as before and after the 6 weeks between the experimental (exergaming) and control (reading) groups. Qualitative data from postintervention focus groups or interviews and informal notes and reports from all participants will be analyzed to assess the feasibility of the study protocol. Qualitative data from the experimental group will also be analyzed to assess the feasibility, usability, and acceptability of at-home VR exergames and explore perceived facilitators of and barriers to uptaking VR systems among community-dwelling older adults. Results The screening and recruitment process for the experimental group started in May 2021, and the data collection process will be completed by September 2021. The timeline of the recruitment process for the control group is September 2021 to December 2021. We anticipate an estimated adherence rate of ≥80%. Challenges associated with VR technology and the complexity of remote assessments are expected. Conclusions This pilot study will provide important information on the feasibility, acceptability, and usability of a custom-made VR exergaming intervention to promote older adults’ well-being. Findings from this study will be useful to inform the methodology, design, study procedures, and assessment protocol for future large-scale trials of VR exergames with older adults as well as deepen the understanding of remote deployment and at-home use of VR for exercise in older adults. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/32955

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Immersive Virtual Reality Exergames to Promote the Well-being of Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Pilot Study

Mehrabi¹,

Muñoz²,

Basharat³

et al. 2022

JMIR Res Protoc

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…However, our previous work reported that the use of this technology by older people is lacking [24], in most cases have addressed the use of assessment or rehabilitation tools in people with pathologies such as Parkinson's disease [25] or post-stroke symptoms [26]. This study aimed to analyse the use of IVR exergames using a commercial HMD, as a tool to facilitate physical exercise in healthy older people.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Immersive Virtual Reality Exergame Promotes the Practice of Physical Activity in Older People: An Opportunity during COVID-19

Campo-Prieto

Fuentes

Carral

2021

MTI

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Life expectancy has increased in recent years. Physical activity has been postulated as a key element in active aging strategies. However, adherence to physical exercise programs has traditionally been low among the elderly, and the current situation of the COVID-19 pandemic has added extra impediments. Immersive virtual reality (IVR) devices could motivate this population to practice exercise. This study aimed to analyse the use of IVR exergames as a tool to facilitate physical exercise in older people. Four healthy older adults (males, 65–77 years) participated in the study. They carried out two exergaming sessions with HTC Vive ProTM. Outcomes were evaluated using the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ), System Usability Scale (SUS), Game Experience Questionnaire (GEQ post-game module), an ad hoc satisfaction questionnaire, and perceived effort. All participants completed the sessions without adverse effects, with no SSQ symptoms reported. SUS scores were high in both sessions (SUS > 85/100). Post-game GEQ scores were 3.08–3.41/4 (positive experiences) and 0.08–0.16/4 (negative experiences). Opinions showed high levels of satisfaction with the experience. Exergaming programs, based on commercial head-mounted displays, are a feasible alternative to traditional senior exercise, and could be a solution to the current situation that has arisen from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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“…One such fragile group is Parkinsonians, who could benefit from working with Immersive virtual reality (IVR). However, few studies have addressed the implementation of therapeutic and rehabilitation programs in fully immersive settings in the general population and even fewer in Parkinsonians [ 20 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Can Immersive Virtual Reality Videogames Help Parkinson’s Disease Patients? A Case Study

Campo-Prieto

Fuentes

Carral

2021

Sensors

Self Cite

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Video games have proven useful in physical rehabilitation therapy. Accessibility, however, is limited for some groups such as the elderly or patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). We explore the potential of fully immersive video games as a rehabilitation tool in PD patients. Four patients with mild-moderate PD (3 males:1 female, 53–71 years) participated in the study. Training consisted in two immersive virtual reality video gaming sessions. Outcomes were evaluated using System Usability Scale (SUS), Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ), Game Experience Questionnaire-post game (GEQ), an ad hoc satisfaction questionnaire and perceived effort. All participants completed the sessions without adverse effects (100%), without SSQ symptoms reported. Post-gaming SUS was >75% in both sessions (range 75–80%). Post-gaming GEQ scores were 3.3–4.0/4 in both sessions. Immersive virtual reality video gaming is feasible in patients with mild-moderate PD, with positive usability and patient satisfaction, and no adverse effects.

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Immersive virtual reality as physical therapy in older adults: present or future (systematic review)

Cited by 38 publications

References 77 publications

Immersive Virtual Reality Exergames to Promote the Well-being of Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Pilot Study

Immersive Virtual Reality Exergames to Promote the Well-being of Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Pilot Study

Immersive Virtual Reality Exergame Promotes the Practice of Physical Activity in Older People: An Opportunity during COVID-19

Can Immersive Virtual Reality Videogames Help Parkinson’s Disease Patients? A Case Study

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