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

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (9) ◽  
pp. 52
Author(s):  
Pablo Campo-Prieto ◽  
Gustavo Rodríguez-Fuentes ◽  
José Mª Cancela-Carral
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Physical Exercise ◽  
Older People ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Current Situation ◽  
Immersive Virtual Reality ◽  
System Usability Scale ◽  
The Impact

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.

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

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (14) ◽  
pp. 4825
Author(s):  
Pablo Campo-Prieto ◽  
Gustavo Rodríguez-Fuentes ◽  
José Mª Cancela-Carral
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Video Games ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Video Gaming ◽  
Immersive Virtual Reality ◽  
System Usability Scale

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.

scholarly journals Enjoyment and Intensity of Physical Activity in Immersive Virtual Reality Performed on Innovative Training Devices in Compliance with Recommendations for Health

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (19) ◽  
pp. 3673 ◽  
Author(s):  
Małgorzata Dębska ◽  
Jacek Polechoński ◽  
Arkadiusz Mynarski ◽  
Piotr Polechoński
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Physical Exercise ◽  
Leisure Time ◽  
Flight Simulator ◽  
Immersive Virtual Reality ◽  
Physical Effort ◽  
Active Video Games ◽  
Active Video ◽  
Intrinsic Motivation Inventory

The aim of the study is to assess the enjoyment and intensity of physical exercise while practicing physical activity (PA) in immersive virtual reality (IVR) using innovative training devices (omni-directional Omni treadmill and Icaros Pro flight simulator). The study also contains the results of subjective research on the usefulness of such a form of PA in the opinion of users. In total, 61 adults (10 women and 51 men) took part in the study. To assess the enjoyment level (EL) Interest/Enjoyment subscale of Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI) was used. Exercise intensity was assessed during 10-min sessions of active video games (AVGs) in IVR based on heart rate (HR). The average enjoyment level during physical exercise in IVR on the tested training devices was high (Omni 5.74 points, Icaros 5.60 points on a 1–7 Likert scale) and differed significantly in favor of PA on Omni. In the opinion of the majority of participants, AVGs in IVR on the tested devices constitute a sufficiently useful form of PA to meet the needs of leisure time activities, and they can even replace some forms of physical effort performed in a classic way. The intensity of PA during games on training devices was at the level recommended for health benefits for 80.55% (Omni) and 50.77% (Icaros Pro) of its duration. Based on the conducted research, it can be assumed that AVGs in IVR using a multi-directional treadmill and a flight simulator can be an effective tool for increasing participation in health-oriented PA.

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

Retos ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pablo Campo-Prieto ◽  
José Mª Cancela Carral ◽  
Iris Machado de Oliveira ◽  
Gustavo Rodríguez-Fuentes
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Older People ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Immersive Virtual Reality ◽  
Head Mounted Display ◽  
Structural Problems ◽  
Senior Population

  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.

scholarly journals Assessment of Enjoyment and Intensity of Physical Activity in Immersive Virtual Reality on the Omni-Directional Omni Treadmill and Icaros Flight Simulator in the Context of Recommendations for Health

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Małgorzata Dębska ◽  
Jacek Polechoński ◽  
Arkadiusz Mynarski ◽  
Piotr Polechoński
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Physical Exercise ◽  
Flight Simulator ◽  
Immersive Virtual Reality ◽  
Active Video Games ◽  
Active Video ◽  
Movement Intensity ◽  
Intrinsic Motivation Inventory

The aim of the study is to assess enjoyment and intensity of physical exercise while practicing physical activity (PA) in immersive virtual reality (IVR) using innovative training devices (omni-directional Omni treadmill and Icaros Pro flight simulator). The study also contains the results of subjective research on the usefulness of such a form of PA in the opinion of users. In total, 61 adults (10 women and 50 men) took part in the study. To assess the enjoyment level (EL) Interest/Enjoyment subscale of Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI) was used. Exercise intensity was assessed during 10-minute sessions of active video games (AVGs) in IVR based on heart rate (HR). The average enjoyment level during physical exercise in IVR on the tested training devices was relatively high (Omni 5.74 points, Icaros 5.60 points). In the opinion of the majority of participants, AVGs on IVR training devices constitute a sufficiently useful form of movement to meet the needs of PA practiced in free time, and they can even replace some of the classic forms of movement. Intensity of PA during games on training devices was at the level recommended for health benefits for 92% (Omni) and 84% (Icaros Pro) of its duration. Based on the conducted research, it can be assumed that AVGs in IVR using a multi-directional treadmill and a flight simulator can be an effective tool for increasing participation in health-oriented PA.

Forms of physical activity of the elderly

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 221-228
Author(s):  
Piotr Czarnecki ◽  
◽  
Justyna Podgórska-Bednarz ◽  
Lidia Perenc ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Elderly People ◽  
Population Aging ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Good Health ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Polish Society ◽  
Central Statistical ◽  
Key Phrases ◽  
The Impact

Introduction. Physical activity is known to be an important factor influencing health throughout human life. This issue has become crucial for public health due to the aging of the population in both developed and developing countries. Aim. is to present a literature review on the forms of physical activity undertaken by the elderly, as well as on issues related to physical activity and the population aging. Material and methods. The study was prepared on the basis of a review of Polish and foreign literature. The following databases and data sources were used: EBSCO, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar. An additional source of data were the websites of the Central Statistical Office. Strictly defined key phrases were used during the collection of literature. The work has been divided into thematic subsections on the aging of the society, the impact of physical activity on health and the main topic, i.e. forms of physical activity selected by the elderly. Analysis of the literature. The number of elderly people in Polish society has increased by almost 3.7 million over three decades. Therefore, an important topic is prophylaxis aimed at increasing the number of days in good health, largely covering the broadly understood activation of the elderly. The available data indicate that only 12% of elderly people undertake physical activity once a week. The most common form of spending free time actively is walking (as many as 73% of people in this population declare this form of physical activity in one of the presented studies). Conclusion. Organized forms of physical activity are undertaken much less frequently by the analyzed age group mainly due to financial limitations and limited availability of sports infrastructure.

Relation between cognitive disorders and type of physical activity: Results of the FréLE cohort

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
C Dupré ◽  
N Barth ◽  
A El Moutawakkil ◽  
F Béland ◽  
F Roche ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Proportional Hazards ◽  
Cognitive Disorders ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Global Test ◽  
Professional Activities ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Few previous cohorts have studied the different type of physical activities and the degree of cognitive decline. The objective of this work was to analyze the leisure, domestic and professional activities with mild and moderate cognitive disorders in older people living in community. Methods The study used data from the longitudinal and observational study, FrèLE (FRagility: Longitudinal Study of Expressions). The collected data included: socio-demographic variables, lifestyle, and health status (frailty, comorbidities, cognitive status, depression). Cognitive decline was assessed by using: MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination) and MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment). MoCA was used with two cut-offs (26 and 17) so as to define mild and moderate cognitive disorders Physical activity was assessed by the PASE (Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly), structured in three sections: leisure, domestic and professional activities. Spline and proportional hazards regression models (Cox) were used to estimate the risk of cognitive disorders. Results At baseline, 1623 participants were included and the prevalence of cognitive disorders was 6.9% (MMSE) and 7.2% (MoCA), mild cognitive disorders was 71.3%. The mean age was 77 years, and 52% of the participants were women. After a 2 years long follow-up, we found 6.9% (MMSE) and 6% (MoCA) cognitive disorders on participants. Analyses showed that domestic activities were associated to cognitive decline (HR = 0.52 [0.28-0.94] for MMSE and HR = 0.48 [0.28-0.80] for MoCA). No association were found with leisure and professional activities, and no spline were significant with mild cognitive disorders. Conclusions Analysis showed a relationship between cognitive disorders and type of physical activity, thanks to the use of specific questionnaire of elderly and two global test of cognition. These findings will contribute to the debate on the beneficial effects of physical activity on cognition. Key messages This work allowed to compare two test of cognition and their link with physical activity. It contributes to the debate on the beneficial effects of physical activity on cognition. The work allowed us to see the effect of the different types of physical activity and the impact of the statistical method on the results.

scholarly journals Immersive virtual reality health games: a narrative review of game design

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gordon Tao ◽  
Bernie Garrett ◽  
Tarnia Taverner ◽  
Elliott Cordingley ◽  
Crystal Sun
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Physical Exercise ◽  
Game Design ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
User Engagement ◽  
Exercise Interventions ◽  
Head Mounted Display ◽  
Sufficient Detail

Abstract Background High quality head-mounted display based virtual reality (HMD-VR) has become widely available, spurring greater development of HMD-VR health games. As a behavior change approach, these applications use HMD-VR and game-based formats to support long-term engagement with therapeutic interventions. While the bulk of research to date has primarily focused on the therapeutic efficacy of particular HMD-VR health games, how developers and researchers incorporate best-practices in game design to achieve engaging experiences remains underexplored. This paper presents the findings of a narrative review exploring the trends and future directions of game design for HMD-VR health games. Methods We searched the literature on the intersection between HMD-VR, games, and health in databases including MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Compendex. We identified articles describing HMD-VR games designed specifically as health applications from 2015 onwards in English. HMD-VR health games were charted and tabulated according to technology, health context, outcomes, and user engagement in game design. Findings We identified 29 HMD-VR health games from 2015 to 2020, with the majority addressing health contexts related to physical exercise, motor rehabilitation, and pain. These games typically involved obstacle-based challenges and extrinsic reward systems to engage clients in interventions related to physical functioning and pain. Less common were games emphasizing narrative experiences and non-physical exercise interventions. However, discourse regarding game design was diverse and often lacked sufficient detail. Game experience was evaluated using primarily ad-hoc questionnaires. User engagement in the development of HMD-VR health games primarily manifested as user studies. Conclusion HMD-VR health games are promising tools for engaging clients in highly immersive experiences designed to address diverse health contexts. However, more in-depth and structured attention to how HMD-VR health games are designed as game experiences is needed. Future development of HMD-VR health games may also benefit from greater involvement of end-users in participatory approaches.

scholarly journals The Association between Physical Activity and Selected Parameters of Psychological Status and Dementia in Older Women

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (14) ◽  
pp. 7549
Author(s):  
Angelika Cisek-Woźniak ◽  
Kinga Mruczyk ◽  
Rafał W. Wójciak
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Cognitive Functions ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Regular Physical Activity ◽  
Psychological Status ◽  
The Impact

Physical activity has an unquestionable impact on broadly understood human health. One interesting issue related to this is the importance of movement on mental health and cognitive functioning. Research shows that regular physical activity improves the cognitive functioning of adults and people with mental disorders. Regular physical activity can be an important and powerful protective factor in cognitive impairment and dementia in the elderly, and exercise is an important non-pharmacological treatment for mild cognitive impairment or neurodegenerative diseases. This study aims to present the impact of physical activity on selected cognitive functions in physically active women over 60 years of age. The research was carried out in a group of 110 generally healthy women from the area of western Poland over 60 years of age, who were divided into four groups based on the intensity of their physical activity. A pedometer (sport watch) and a physical activity diary were used to measure physical activity. Body Mass Index was assessed. Selected cognitive functions were assessed using the MMSE test, motor and psychomotor skills were measured, and Luria’s auditory memory test and recall test, a clock drawing test, and a GDS test were performed. There were statistically significant relationships between the level of physical activity and the effectiveness of cognitive processes. These results show that about 5000 steps a day is enough to see a positive effect on the mental health and cognitive functioning of this group of the elderly population. The women had an average BMI of 28.1 ± 4.7. BMI, indicating an overweight condition (over 30 kg/m2), was observed in 31% of women. The results of this study lead the authors to conclude that physical activity positively influences cognitive function and can be recommended for all seniors who do not have other serious comorbidities that would prevent them from playing sports.

scholarly journals Strategies Older New Zealanders Use to Participate in Day-To-Day Occupations

2011 ◽  
Vol 74 (11) ◽  
pp. 509-516 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clare Hocking ◽  
Juanita Murphy ◽  
Kirk Reed
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Older People ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Falls Prevention ◽  
Public Health Messages ◽  
The Impact

Aim: This exploratory study aimed to uncover the strategies that older adults employ to ameliorate the impact of impairments and barriers to participation. Method: Eight participants were interviewed in their own homes, in a town or city in New Zealand. Findings: Inductive analysis of data revealed four main categories of strategies: strategies to keep safe, to recruit and accept help, to meet social and biological needs (nutritional and medical), and to conserve financial, material and bodily resources. Discussion: The study supports some previous findings of strategies used by older people, and demonstrates that enquiring into the strategies that older people devise and adopt into their own lives is a productive line of inquiry. The strategies described differ from those that occupational therapists recommend, and do not incorporate public health messages about the benefits of physical activity or recommendations about falls prevention. Conclusion: The findings suggest that asking older clients about the strategies that they use will uncover valuable information for therapists giving advice or issuing equipment to help older adults to manage in the community.

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