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

Pablo Campo-Prieto,Gustavo Rodríguez-Fuentes,José Mª Cancela-Carral

doi:10.3390/mti5090052

Abstract

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.

Highlights

This study aimed to analyse the use of Immersive virtual reality (IVR) exergames using a commercial head-mounted displays (HMDs), as a tool to facilitate physical exercise in healthy older people
High average values were recorded for positive experiences in the post-game GEQ (3.08/4), and low or zero values for negative experiences (0.08/4)
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

Summary

Introduction

Life expectancy has increased in recent years and, as a result, subjects relating to older people in our society have become especially relevant [1]. In this new reality, active aging policies seem to be important [2] in the desire to keep the senior population healthy, active, and autonomous for as long as possible [3], avoiding their functional decline [4]. One of the cornerstones of active aging is the practice of physical activity, the main objective of which is to maintain or improve the individual’s functionality. Exercise combats sedentary lifestyle but it contributes to increased feelings of personal achievement, competence, and self-efficacy, as well as having a positive impact socially [5]

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