Effects of virtual reality on moods in community older adults. A multicenter randomized controlled trial

Abstract

IntroductionVirtual reality (VR) technology is a potential method to use in cognitive intervention, but the use of VR in cognitive stimulation intervention for older adults has not been investigated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the mood change of older adults after participating in the VR cognitive stimulation activity.MethodsThis is a multicenter randomized controlled, cross‐over trial. The intervention was a VR cognitive stimulation activity, and the control was a paper‐and‐pencil activity. The participants were older adults with age over 60 and recruited in the elderly community centers. The Positive and Negative Affect Score (PANAS) was used to measure mood change. Mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was calculated. The Simulator sickness questionnaire was used to measure adverse events.ResultsA total of 236 participants from 19 community centers were recruited. After the VR activity, the participants had a significant increase in total PANAS positive affect score (MD = 2.09, 95% CI = 0.69 to 3.49), and a significant reduction in total negative affect score (MD = −1.99, 95% CI = −2.55 to −1.43). The reduction in negative affect score was significantly larger in VR activity than paper‐and‐pencil activity (MD = −0.48, 95% CI = −0.98 to 0.00). Besides, only three participants reported severe advance events after VR activity.ConclusionsThe use of VR technology is well accepted by older adults. Therefore, the use of VR technology through smartphone and a mobile app can be a potential method for future cognitive training interventions.

Feasibility, Acceptability, and Efficacy of Virtual Reality Training for Older Adults and People With Disabilities: Single-Arm Pre-Post Study

“…In our experience, mild discomfort was reported by 14 of 135 participants (10.4%). In a local study examining the effects of VR cognitive stimulation activity among community-dwelling older adults (n=236), 1.4% of them reported severe discomfort regarding fatigue and eye strain, blurred vision, and dizziness after 20 to 25 minutes of VR exposure [ 17 ]. However, mild discomfort was not reported.…”

“…VR games, particularly those related to living skills training and cognitive training, would be more appealing to users if they are based on local elements and culture that are familiar to the users. Hence, in our local setting (Hong Kong), there are various VR training programs targeting different populations, for example, people with intellectual disability [6,7], acquired brain injury or stroke [8][9][10][11], schizophrenia [12], dementia [13], high fall risk [14,15], and different geriatric conditions [16,17]. Despite many VR training programs being developed, they mainly target homogenous populations.…”

Virtual Reality Therapy for Depression and Mood in Long-Term Care Facilities

“…Numerous studies substantiate the claims that VRT has clear potential in alleviating negative feelings while promoting improved cognitive ability and positive emotions in elderly patients. They indicate that VRT reduces overall negative feelings -such as apathy, distress, and anxiety -while increasing overall positive outlook compared to pre-exposed VRT patients [57,58,60]. Not only does VRT correlate with psychological relief, but evidence also suggests that VRT can improve both physical and cognitive functionality in elderly patients.…”

Virtual Reality Therapy for Depression and Mood in Long-Term Care Facilities

“…After a single exposure, they exhibited increases in overall positive emotions—including increased interest, enthusiasm, and excitement. They also exhibited decreases in overall negative affect and its components, such as distress, hostility, and guilt [ 57 ]. In another study, Graf et al exposed 14 home-residing pensioners to a VR “forest walk” experience via the Oculus Go headset system.…”