The Effect of a Virtual Reality Delivered Physical Activity Intervention on the Physical Function of Older Adults

ABSTRACT

COVID-19 public health recommendations have prohibited many older adults from attending in-person physical activity (PA) programs that improve physical function and promote functional independence. Most PA programs have shifted towards a video conference (VC) format, but this modality has been noted to “flatten” the social experience which is fundamental for lasting behavior change. Virtual reality (VR) is now designed for immersion and place-presence and may be better suited for instilling a feeling of social connection, which will likely improve physical function. The purpose of this study was to evaluate differences in physical function after a 4-week in-home VR or VC based PA intervention. Low-active adults (66.8±4.8 years) were randomized to VR (n=5) or VC (n=4) based PA counselling and instructed to find activities that were intrinsically motivating. VR participants were asked to select pre-approved available active games in addition to enjoyable real-world activities. ANCOVA models were used to explore group differences in six-minute walk distances across time. Results are reported using η