Abstract
The global population aged 60 years and over rises due to increasing life expectancy. More older adults suffer from “geriatric giants”. Mobility limitations, including immobility and instability, are usually accompanied by physical and cognitive decline, and can be further associated with gait changes. Improvements in physical and cognitive functions can be achieved with virtual reality exergame environments. This study investigated the usability of the newly developed VITAAL exergame in mobility-impaired older adults aged 60 years and older. Usability was evaluated with a mixed-methods approach including a usability protocol, the System Usability Scale, and a guideline-based interview. Thirteen participants (9 female, 80.5 ± 4.9 years, range: 71–89) tested the exergame and completed the measurement. The System Usability Scale was rated in a marginal acceptability range (58.3 ± 16.5, range: 30–85). The usability protocol and the guideline-based interview revealed general positive usability. The VITAAL exergame prototype received positive feedback and can be considered usable by older adults with mobility limitations. However, minor improvements to the system in terms of design, instructions, and technical aspects should be taken into account. The results warrant testing of the feasibility of the adapted multicomponent VITAAL exergame, and its effects on physical and cognitive functions, in comparison with conventional training, should be studied.
Highlights
The global population aged 60 years and over is rising due to increasing life expectancy.The World Health Organization forecasts that the number of older people over 60 years will double from 1 billion in 2020 to almost 2.1 billion in 2050 [1]
The aim of this study was to investigate the usability of the VITAAL exergame in older adults with mobility limitations
The study design consisted of a mixed-methods design where individual subjects were asked to try out the VITAAL exergame prototype during one exergame session
Summary
The global population aged 60 years and over is rising due to increasing life expectancy. The World Health Organization forecasts that the number of older people over 60 years will double from 1 billion in 2020 to almost 2.1 billion in 2050 [1]. Age- and behavior-related diseases and disabilities accompany the ageing population. More older adults suffer from one of the “geriatric giants” defined by Bernhard Isaacs as immobility, instability, incontinence, and impaired intellect [2]. With the growing older population, there has been major interest in preventing age-related problems that cause morbidity and mortality and in maintaining and improving the quality of life of older adults. Mobility is by far one of the most important factors affecting independence and quality of life in older adults [3,4].
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