Augmented exercise biking with virtual environments for elderly users: A preliminary study for retirement home physical therapy

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR) has been shown to function well as an assistive technology to physical therapy for elderly users. Elderly users are a unique user group in this field, due to their characteristics and demands. They are also a user group that can definitely benefit from VR technology, which is unfortunately a perspective that seems elude the VR community. This study explores how augmenting a manuped exercise (chair-based exercise bike), using an interactive screen-based virtual environment (VE), can change the exercise experience for retirement home residents. It is the first study in a series of studies, initiating an investigation into how to use VR to augment conventional exercise experiences, specifically for the retirement home resident audience. In a larger scope, the ambition is longterm to use VR technology to increase motivation with retirement home residents, to uphold a regular exercise routine. The results showed that a majority of subjects reported to support the VE augmentation and preferred the VE based exercise experience to the conventional exercise. This supports VR as an assisting technology for physical therapy, and suggests the potentiality VE augmented exercises, tailored for retirement home residents.

Supporting Optimal Aging through the Innovative Use of Virtual Reality Technology

“…Virtual reality applications can engage older adults in better health choices, and these platforms can be sources of both physical (e.g., virtual "cycling outdoors", for example [7]) and social activities.…”

Visualization approaches to support healthy aging: A systematic review

“…Studies evaluating virtual environments or human representations (three publications 31,32,36 ) showed potential to promote exercise engagement. Older adults found them motivating, which may be important among older adults who find it difficult to engage in activities due to impaired physical abilities.…”

Restorative Virtual Environment Design for Augmenting Nursing Home Rehabilitation

“…Four RVEs were implemented following the pilot study. The RVE's identities were based on user responses from a previous study (Bruun-Pedersen, Pedersen, Serafin, & Kofoed, 2014), availability of 3D assets for the chosen game engine platform (Unity 4 Pro) appropriate to support a restorative experience. The RVEs will from now be considered districts, following the landmark typeset.…”

“…Recent studies at Akaciegården nursing home (Denmark) (Bruun-Pedersen, Pedersen, Serafin, & Kofoed, 2014) (Bruun-Pedersen, Serafin, & Kofoed, 2016a) (Bruun-Pedersen, Serafin, & Kofoed, 2016b) have indicated usefulness of multimodal virtual environments (VEs) to augment bikereminiscent for increased exercise motivation. The augmentation maintained the exercise routine fundamentals but added the user experience of a recreational ride in a nature-based, restorative VE (RVE).…”