ORCID

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR) can support healthy ageing, but few devices have been trialed with frail older adults to increase physical activity. We conducted a preliminary mixed-methods implementation evaluation of an omnidirectional VR treadmill and a static VR experience with seven older adults over a six-week period in a supported living facility. Frequency of use and pre-post physical functioning measures were collected, mainly to establish technology suitability based on person characteristics. Diary entries following technology use, resident focus group and staff interview revealed technology acceptance and perceived potential for increasing physical activity, health and wellbeing through accessing virtual environments, which motivated continued activity. Results demonstrated technology suitability for a range of older adults with various mobility and physical impairments. However, residents noted interest in a seated treadmill for physical activity without perceived risks of falls with standing treadmills. Staff raised considerations around care home implementations including usability, cost and space.

Publication Date

2024-05-11

Deposit Date

2024-10-25

Funding

On behalf of the GOALD project: Catherine H. Hennessy, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Stirling; Ray B. Jones, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth; Richard Haynes, Faculty of Arts & Humanities, University of Stirling; Anna C. Whittaker, Faculty of Health Sciences & Sport, University of Stirling (Core Management Team); Sheena Asthana, Plymouth Institute for Health and Care Research (PIHR), University of Plymouth; Rory Baxter, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth; Hannah Bradwell, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth; Arunangsu Chatterjee, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds; Pete Coffee, School of Social Sciences, Heriot-Watt University; Leonie Cooper, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth; Alison Dawson, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Stirling; Katie Edwards, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth; Swen Gaudl, Faculty of Science & Engineering, University of Plymouth; Tanja Krizaj, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth; Gregory Mannion, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Stirling; Gemma Ryde, Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow; Alejandro Veliz Reyes, Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business, University of Plymouth; John Ritchie, Faculty of Arts & Humanities, University of Stirling; Simone Tomaz, Faculty of Health Sciences & Sport, University of Stirling; Alison Warren, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth; Karen Watchman, Faculty of Health Sciences & Sport, University of Stirling; Katherine Willis, Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business, University of Plymouth, and partners-Active Stirling Ltd., Generations Working Together, Hearing Loss Cornwall, Nudge Community Builders, South Asian Society (Devon and Cornwall), Sporting Heritage, Sports Heritage Scotland, St. Breward Community, iSightCornwall, UKActive. With thanks to the supported living organization who hosted our research and made us so welcome when visiting their home. Thanks also to Rose Wilmot and Hannah Hobbs for their Media and Admin support on GOALD. This paper is also on behalf of Katherine Willis, Daniel Maudlin, Chunxu Li, Sheena Asthana, Kerry Howell, Shangming Zhou, Em-manual Ifeachor as ICONIC co-applicants and Lauren Tenn (Media and Administration officer). With thanks to the ICONIC project on which HB is a co-applicant, which has benefited from these earlier works in developing their methods and approaches, for the support in funding this publication. ICONIC (Intergenerational co-creation of novel technologies to reconnect digitally excluded people with community & cultural landscapes in coastal economies) is funded by UKRI EPSRC Grant Ref: EP/W024357/1. To see further information from MOTUS Ltd please see [44]. Permission to make digital or hard copies of part or all of this work for personal or classroom use is granted without fee provided that copies are not made or distributed for profit or commercial advantage and that copies bear this notice and the full citation on the first page. Copyrights for third-party components of this work must be honored. For all other uses, contact the Owner/Author.

Keywords

Social care, innovation, physical activity, technology, virtual reality

First Page

1

Last Page

13

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