Suitability test of virtual reality applications for older people considering the spatial orientation ability

Abstract

Previous studies showed similar spatial orientation ability (SO) between real world (RW) and virtual reality (VR). As the SO deteriorates with age, it is crucial to investigate whether the degradation is similar in VR, as it may affect the use of VR tools for older people, such as in physical therapy. Therefore, we extended our previous study, in which similar SO between RW and VR was measured for younger participants (18–35 years) with a higher age group (> 55 years) to examine the VR's influence on their SO. Two main tests were conducted. In the first test, the participants were blindfolded, asked to rotate (0°, 45°, 180°, 225°) on a fixed starting position, and walk straight to different objects they had memorized before. This test was conducted twice. An ANOVA only revealed a significant interaction between the factors Age (young/old) and Condition (VR/RW) for the 45°-rotation in the second run. Here, both age groups performed similarly in RW, while in VR, greater deviations in the older participants appeared. Nevertheless, the overall Age*Condition-interaction in the first test was not significant. In the second test, subjects were required to walk blindfolded to two objects starting from different positions. The starting position and objects changed three times in each condition but were equal between RW and VR. No interactions between the factors Age and Condition were found (p > 0.05). Both tests showed a similar influence of VR on the SO of both age groups, supporting the usage of VR, regardless of age.

Tolerance of immersive head-mounted virtual reality among older nursing home residents

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“…For example, a pilot study exploring age differences in presence found that older adults preferred a slower pace and more explicit instructions in VR [35]. Another study shows that older adults may have reduced visual acuity and hearing, which can affect their ability to interact with VR environments [36]. VR developers can consider the familiarity of different age groups with technology and adjust the level of complexity of VR experiences accordingly.…”

Assessing Virtual Reality Spaces for Elders Using Image-Based Sentiment Analysis and Stress Level Detection

“…Overall, the study highlights the potential benefits of using VR technology in aged care, as well as the need for design improvements to ensure its effective use with older adults. Other studies have focused on spatial orientation, such as [8], in which the authors investigate whether the decline in spatial orientation with age is similar in virtual reality (VR) as it is in the real world; such studies are important, as they could influence the efficacy of VR tools for older people, particularly in physical therapy. The study showed a similar influence of VR on the spatial orientation of both age groups, supporting the usage of VR regardless of age.…”

“…Thanks to these attributes, modern virtual environments, initially used only for gaming purposes, are now being exploited for a variety of tasks, such as sports activities, simulation, or even surgical techniques [2]. Moreover, VR is being used for rehabilitation, modernising the clinical approach for people with various diseases and conditions, such as for those undergoing rehabilitation after a stroke [3][4][5] or with cerebral palsy [6], or for other reasons such as physiotherapy [7] or orientation [8]. These health applications of VR have gained attention in recent years because conventional exercise methods in rehabilitation facilities are time-and space-consuming and expensive, as they need effort from human health professionals [9].…”