Virtual Reality Exergames for People Living with Dementia Based on Exercise Therapy Best Practices

Abstract

Exercise is an important factor for people living with dementia as it improves physical fitness and quality of life; however, it can be challenging for them to engage in exercise. This research created two virtual reality environments using Oculus Rift head-mounted display and Oculus touch controllers, with the goal of increasing the accessibility to exercise for people living with dementia. A three-week evaluation was conducted with six persons living with dementia to compare the virtual programs with human/therapist-guided exercise. The results showed that both virtual exercise programs were comparable to the therapist-guided exercise in terms of subjective enjoyment, comfort, and difficulty level of the activities. All the participants completed all the tasks designed for them in each day and five wanted to continue using virtual reality exercises. This research demonstrates promising potential of virtual reality exergames for people living with dementia. Future studies are needed to expand the available tasks, increase the available environments, and to examine clinical impact.

Analyzing Consumer Loyalty through Service Experience and Service Convenience: Differences between Instructor Fitness Classes and Virtual Fitness Classes

“…In the same context, we find that most related research refers to virtual activities in sports activities in health programs [24], mainly as a useful tool in hospital rehabilitation, according to Sheehy et al [25], since technology in the form of virtual reality exercises proves beneficial for people with dementia [26], and Parkinson's disease [27]. It is also beneficial when it comes to socializing and saving time, since the exercises can be done from home and in groups [28].…”

Recommendations on the Design of Serious Games for People with Dementia

“…Touch control, keyboard and mouse require fine motor skills on a relative small (Tablet) PC screen. Seven studies used gesture control which comprises movements of upper and lower limbs and requires certain motor functions such as balance (postural control, weight shifting, and lateral stepping), eye-hand coordination or reaching beyond one's arm length (19)(20)(21)(33)(34)(35)(36). Movements are monitored on a big (e.g.…”

“…Personal work experience and existing literature have shown that it is wise to create game contents that matches activities and interests of PwD and to personalize game content (e.g. incorporating personal pictures) (30,36). Since they often show a defensive attitude towards unfamiliarity (18), games that relate to previous hobbies (e.g.…”

“…Two studies reported that they only had a minimum number of objects in the screen and tried to avoid crowded screens with unnecessary objects in the background (18,36). One study applying Nintendo Wii Bowling ® and Nintendo Wii Tennis ® reported that too many information were displayed on the screen (e.g.…”

“…Two studies implemented the SG at home (30,31) and 17 at a research facility or nursing home/care unit (18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)28,29,(32)(33)(34)(35)(36)(37)(38)(39). Fifteen studies reported that SG were played in a single setting (19,(21)(22)(23)(24)(28)(29)(30)(31)(32)(33)(35)(36)(37)39). Four studies played the SG in groups of three to ten PwD (18,20,34,38).…”