In:
SAGE Open, SAGE Publications, Vol. 13, No. 4 ( 2023-10)
Abstract:
Plain Language Summary VR Exercise for Functional Fitness in Older Adults This study aimed to determine the effect of VR-based exercise on older adults’ retention of functional fitness after intervention and at follow-up. This study was a randomized controlled trial wherein older adults (mean age: 72.16 ± 4.9 years) were assigned to experimental ( n = 48) and control ( n = 50) groups. Experimental group participants engaged in VR exercise sessions for 75 to 90 minute biweekly over 12 weeks. Control group participants did not participate in the intervention. Functional fitness was assessed using the Senior Fitness Test. Functional fitness changes were compared using a generalized estimating equation. Pre-, post-, and follow-up tests were conducted at weeks 1, 13, and 24, respectively. After VR-based training, the experimental group performed better in functional fitness tests, including upper body flexibility, lower body flexibility, upper body strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, balance, and agility, than the control group immediately after the intervention. Improvements in lower body flexibility, upper body strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, balance, and agility persisted in the experimental group for up to 12 weeks. This study demonstrates that VR-based training potentially improves community-dwelling older adults’ functional fitness. Its findings may support the future development of novel exercise technologies and serve as a reference for the implementation of physical health promotion strategies for older adults.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
2158-2440
,
2158-2440
DOI:
10.1177/21582440231218515
Language:
English
Publisher:
SAGE Publications
Publication Date:
2023
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2628279-3
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