Realidad Virtual Inmersiva en personas mayores: estudio de casos (Immersive Virtual Reality in older people: a case study)

Abstract


 Introducción: El uso de la Realidad Virtual Inmersiva (RVI) se encuentra en auge en todas las franjas de edad. Sin embargo, algunos problemas estructurales han limitado su aplicación en colectivos más frágiles. Objetivo: Analizar la seguridad, usabilidad y experiencias de la RVI en personas mayores. Método: 4 varones (2 parkinsonianos y 2 sanos, 57-78 años) participaron en el estudio. Realizaron una sesión de RVI (10-15 minutos) con un dispositivo Head-Mounted Display (HTC Vive Pro). Se evaluó la seguridad de la experiencia inmersiva (SSQ), usabilidad del sistema (SUS) e impresiones tras la experiencia (GEQ y un cuestionario de satisfacción ad hoc para identificar fortalezas y puntos débiles de la herramienta). Resultados: Todos completaron la sesión con éxito, sin efectos adversos. La usabilidad del sistema fue buena, incluso salvando obstáculos como la presencia de gafas correctoras de visión y audífono. Las opiniones tras la sesión señalaron lo positivo de la experiencia y todos mostraron su predisposición a repetirla, calificándola como entretenida, divertida y útil. Conclusión: El uso con éxito de la RVI en los casos presentados abre la puerta a futuras investigaciones con ensayos clínicos que puedan evaluar la posible mejora de variables físicas, psíquicas y sociales en la población sénior española.
 Abstract. Background: The use of Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) is booming in all age groups. However, some structural problems have limited its application in more fragile groups. Objective: Analyze the safety, usability and experiences of IVR in older people. Method: 4 males (2 parkinsonian and 2 healthy, 57-78 years) participated in the study. They conducted an RVI session (10-15 minutes) with a Head-Mounted Display (HTC Vive Pro) device. The safety of immersive experience (SSQ), system usability (SUS), and impressions after experience (GEQ and an ad hoc satisfaction questionnaire to identify strengths and weaknesses of the tool) were evaluated. Results: Everyone completed the session successfully, without adverse effects. The usability of the system was good, even overcoming obstacles such as the presence of vision corrective glasses and hearing aids. Opinions after the session pointed out the positive experience and all participants showed their willingness to repeat it, describing it as entertaining, fun, and useful. Conclusion: The successful use of IVR in the cases presented opens the door to future research with clinical trials that can evaluate the improvements of physical, psychic and social variables in the Spanish senior population.

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

“…We found high levels of user satisfaction which, as pointed out in other studies [22,37,38], seems to position this virtual tool as an important element in the motivation of this group towards engaging in physical activity. According to Heredia et al [39], the adherence to these exergaming programmes could help to make the physical and psychosocial benefits of exercise more accessible to the elderly, especially in the difficult times in which we are currently living.…”

“…Our outcomes support the feasibility of the HTC Vive Pro TM commercial HMD device as a tool to provide safe practice of physical exercise by healthy older people. In accordance with previous studies that have proposed guided and supervised sessions to facilitate senior populations' access to new technology [22,36], we consider it important to maintain these sessions, or at the very least to conduct initial training that will allow for future self-management at homes. Furthermore, the answers on the usability and experience scales predict more learning and greater confidence in the handling of the tool the more it is used.…”

“…We consider that this point, together with the absence of adverse symptoms, highlights the safety of the proposed games. Finally, adding a wireless technology to the HMD resulted in a major improvement to the safety of the immersive experiences and the comfort of the participants, as we have suggested in previous works [22].…”

“…A further step would be to use the innovative head-mounted displays (HMDs) and immersive virtual reality (IVR), with which users can try out completely immersive experiences in three-dimensional environments on demand-experiences that are pleasant, and motivate users to engage in physical exercise [21,22]. This exercise can be carried out conveniently, without having to travel to sports facilities, and can also offer the possibility of participating in group activities, but without social contact.…”

“…An ad hoc satisfaction questionnaire consisting of 5 questions was developed to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the intervention. The questionnaire was the same as one used in a previous study [22], and includes the following questions: "How was the experience? "; "Would you repeat the experience with IVR"; "Would you recommend the experience of IVR?…”