Virtual Reality Exercise as a Coping Strategy for Health and Wellness Promotion in Older Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The December 2019 COVID-19 outbreak in China has led to worldwide quarantine, as recommended by local governments and the World Health Organization. Particularly affected are older adults (i.e., those aged ≥ 65 years) who are at elevated risk for various adverse health outcomes, including declines in motor ability and physical activity (PA) participation, increased obesity, impaired cognition, and various psychological disorders. Thus, given the secular increases in the older adult population, novel and effective intervention strategies are necessary to improve physical activity behaviors and health in this population. Virtual reality (VR)-integrated exercise is a promising intervention strategy, which has been utilized in healthcare fields like stroke rehabilitation and psychotherapy. Therefore, the purpose of this editorial is to synthesize recent research examining the efficacy and effectiveness of VR exercise in the promotion of favorable health outcomes among the older adults. Results indicate the application of VR exercise to facilitate improved physical outcomes (e.g., enhanced motor ability, reduced obesity), cognition and psychological outcomes. VR exercise has also been observed to be an effective intervention strategy for fall prevention in this population. Future research should employ more rigorous research designs to allow for a more robust quantitative synthesis of the effect of VR exercise on the preceding outcomes to elucidate which type(s) of VR-based PA interventions are most effective in promoting improved health outcomes among older adults. Findings from this study will better inform the development of technology-savvy PA programs for wellness promotion in older adults who practice social distancing and exercise from home under the unprecedented global health crisis.

Increased Psychological Distress, Loneliness, and Unemployment in the Spread of COVID-19 over 6 Months in Germany

“…The use of mobile digital health interventions, such as mobile health (mHealth) tools, is one possible solution to deliver the objective to mitigate negative psychosocial consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic [ 33 ]. Virtual reality exercise has also been used in mental health and wellness promotion [ 48 ]. Education, self-care, and family support should form part of mental health prevention strategies, which can involve multiagency collaboration among housing, education, and employment services, with support from the voluntary and mental health sectors [ 49 ].…”

Coping With and Adapting to COVID-19 in Rural United States and Canada

“…Regardless of the geographical area, the reaction to crises, such as natural disasters, can cause personal, interpersonal, and environmental interruptions. Previous research suggests that some may seek positive outlets for their stress that may have beneficial effects, such as exercise (Gao et al, 2020), religion (Roman et al, 2020), or meditation/mindfulness (Behan, 2020), and for others they may seek relief through alcohol and other substances (Behan, 2020; Chodkiewicz et al, 2020; Prost et al, 2016; Richman et al, 2012; Stanton et al, 2020). Interpersonally, access to social support from friends and family can help build resilience during times of stress, and social media may also provide an outlet of support (Richardson & Maninger, 2016).…”

Technology-Based Interventions for Nursing Home Residents: Implications for Nursing Home Practice Amid and Beyond the Influence of COVID-19: A Systematic Review Protocol

“…There is a growing body of technology-based interventions designed to support the health and quality of life of nursing home residents [56][57][58][59][60][61][62]. The onset of COVID-19 and recommended social distancing policy led to an increased interest in reliance on technology-based solutions [81,82]. However, research has yet to provide comparative insight into the recent state of development of these interventions and how current evidence apply in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.…”