Virtual and augmented reality applications to improve older adults’ quality of life: A systematic mapping review and future directions

Abstract

Objective The use of virtual reality and augmented reality to improve older adults’ quality of life has rapidly increased in recent years. This systematic mapping review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of existing research that identifies and classifies current virtual reality and augmented reality applications that enhance the quality of life of older adults to increase the understanding of the impact of these technologies. Methods To reach this objective, a systematic mapping review was conducted of the studies published between 2009 and 2020 in major scientific databases, such as IEEE Xplore, Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed. A total of 57 studies were analyzed and classified into four main quality of life domains: physical, cognitive, psychological, and social well-being. Results The findings showed that virtual reality and augmented reality have found their places in many quality of life studies of older adults. Although virtual reality and augmented reality applications are notably growing in the physical and cognitive well-being domains in training and rehabilitation settings, they are still in the early stages of development in psychological and social well-being research as well as healthcare settings. Our findings also revealed that virtual reality games, particularly motion-based exergames, and 3D augmented reality systems are the most common virtual reality and augmented reality types among the reviewed studies. Moreover, balance and attention were the most prevalent physical and cognitive functions when using motion-based and immersive virtual reality exergames and augmented reality systems and games, respectively, while confidence and interaction were the most dominant psychological and social functions. Conclusion This mapping review provides a comprehensive overview of potential areas for further research in this field, thereby assisting researchers, technologists, and health practitioners in expanding this field of research.

Feasibility of digital technology-supported home exercise intervention for health promotion in community-dwelling older adults: A pilot randomized controlled trial

“…In similar implementations, Otago and balance training-based mixed reality technologies showed positive effects on physical function among older adults [ 50 ]. A recent systematic review [ 19 ] reported that AR technology-supported rehabilitation and training of older adults have mainly been leveraged for one's physical (i.e., balance and mobility) and cognitive (i.e., attention) well-being and recommended exploring the effects in a clinical setting rather than a research setting. Our exploration extrapolates the types of digital home exercise intervention towards health promotion and maintaining independence in older adults, especially in a domestic setting real-home setting and in the context of public health.…”

“…This type of intervention has been adapted according to different objectives, levels of maturity, and fundamental properties of the technology. The advantages and effectiveness of digital technology-supported interventions such as virtual reality, augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality have been demonstrated in diverse populations [ [14] , [15] , [16] , [17] , [18] , [19] ]. In these interventions, real-time user interaction and goal-directed movement induced better motivation and learn exercise performance effectively [ 20 ], resulting in improved health outcomes and regular exercise participation.…”

Sensory Integration: A Novel Approach for Healthy Ageing and Dementia Management

“…Through these technologies, individuals can immerse themselves in simulated settings with customizable sensory experiences, tailored to specific preferences for a secure and controlled engagement. Leveraging VR and AR provides access to a diverse range of sensory stimuli that can be adjusted to meet individual sensory requirements [ 49 , 50 ].…”

Effectiveness, safety and patients’ perceptions of an immersive virtual reality–based exercise system for poststroke upper limb motor rehabilitation: A proof-of-concept and feasibility randomized controlled trial

“…Technologies such as virtual reality (VR) have been used to overcome these limitations, because VR can promote access to exercises, aid motor learning and enhance individuals’ motivation to perform therapeutic exercises while also providing a safe simulation of real-life daily activities, real-time multimodal feedback on performance and engaging exercising experience. 1 – 9 VR applications range from non-immersive to immersive, depending on the degree to which users are isolated from the real world when interacting with virtual environments. Non-immersive VR is achieved through a 2D screen, which allows users to interact with virtual environments from the ‘outside’ while having a full view of the surrounding real world, and interaction is typically limited to the use of a mouse or joystick.…”

“… 20 – 26 Moreover, users’ perceptions of a technology, such as its ease of use and usefulness, can influence their attitudes toward the technology and ultimately impact their acceptance of the technology. 8 , 27 – 39 In the context of the use of technology in poststroke motor rehabilitation, stroke patients’ perceptions of VR-based rehabilitation programmes can also influence their acceptance of and adherence to the programmes; however, research on this topic has been limited.…”