Cycling and Spatial Navigation in an Enriched, Immersive 3D Virtual Park Environment: A Feasibility Study in Younger and Older Adults

Abstract

Background Cognitive decline is a significant public health concern in older adults. Identifying new ways to maintain cognitive and brain health throughout the lifespan is of utmost importance. Simultaneous exercise and cognitive engagement has been shown to enhance brain function in animal and human studies. Virtual reality (VR) may be a promising approach for conducting simultaneous exercise and cognitive studies. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of cycling in a cognitively enriched and immersive spatial navigation VR environment in younger and older adults. Methods A total of 20 younger (25.9 ± 3.7 years) and 20 older (63.6 ± 5.6 years) adults participated in this study. Participants completed four trials (2 learning and 2 recall) of cycling while wearing a head-mounted device (HMD) and navigating a VR park environment. Questionnaires were administered to assess adverse effects, mood, presence, and physical exertion levels associated with cycling in the VR environment. Results A total of 4 subjects withdrew from the study due to adverse effects, yielding a 90% completion rate. Simulator sickness levels were enhanced in both age groups with exposure to the VR environment but were within an acceptable range. Exposure to the virtual environment was associated with high arousal and low stress levels, suggesting a state of excitement, and most participants reported enjoyment of the spatial navigation task and VR environment. No association was found between physical exertion levels and simulator sickness levels. Conclusion This study demonstrates that spatial navigation while cycling is feasible and that older adults report similar experiences to younger adults. VR may be a powerful tool for engaging physical and cognitive activity in older adults with acceptable adverse effects and with reports of enjoyment. Future studies are needed to assess the efficacy of a combined exercise and cognitive VR program as an intervention for promoting healthy brain aging, especially in older adults with increased risk of age-related cognitive decline.

Designing virtual natural environments for older adults in residential care facilities

“…There are several previous examples of studies that have involved viewings of natural environments by VR technology for various therapeutic purposes including: improving muscle strength and balance [28]; improving cognitive function [28,29]; reducing anxiety and agitation [30], and improving engagement, apathy, and mood states [31] in people with dementia; and improving motivation to exercise and mental wellbeing [32]. A recent study explored the acceptability of VNEs for people with memory loss at memory cafes [33].…”

“…A recent study explored the acceptability of VNEs for people with memory loss at memory cafes [33]. Some of these studies have involved activities like kayaking [28], bicycling [29,32], or interacting with objects present in the VE through hand and arm movements [31]. However, a rather small number of the previous studies have regarded the potential therapeutic effects of exposure to natural environments.…”

Current Cognition Tests, Potential Virtual Reality Applications, and Serious Games in Cognitive Assessment and Non-Pharmacological Therapy for Neurocognitive Disorders

“…Htut et al found that a virtual reality video-game-based exercise, which is less beneficial than standard physical activity in assessments of physical ability but better than controls, can also simultaneously improve cognitive function [ 83 ]. Integration of virtual environments with existing exercise modalities, such as stationary cycling, has been found to be appropriate for younger and older individuals alike, while being rated as enjoyable by users, promoting long-term adherence to the exercise program [ 81 , 84 , 85 ].…”

Understanding spatial presence formation and maintenance in virtual reality for younger and older adults

“…Many VR applications may benefit older adults, particularly. VR can be used for virtual exercise programs (Sakhare, Yang, Stradford, et al, 2019;Bruun-Pedersen, Serafin, Maculewicz, et al, 2016), which can have similar benefits as traditional workout techniques (Plante, Aldridge, Bogden, & Hanelin, 2003) with additional benefits for mood, and can be more enjoyable and motivating than traditional techniques (Molina, Ricci, de Moraes, & Perracini, 2014;Plante et al, 2003). VR has been used with older adults for easing chronic pain (Hoffman et al, 2004), training gait and balance (Hoffman et al, 2004), and training motor control (De Bruin, Schoene, Pichierri, & Smith, 2010).…”