Acceptability of Cycling With Virtual Reality Among Older Adults Living Independently in a Retirement Village: An Observational Study.

Abstract

Background: Improving physical activity and sedentary behaviors can maintain and improve cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and psychosocial function for older adults (≥65 years) but finding acceptable, enjoyable, and safe strategies to achieve this is challenging. The immersive BikeAround technology-which integrates stationary cycling with Google Earth Street View-may be an effective strategy as it enhances acute exercise enjoyment and motivation, but treatment effects, safety, and engagement during prolonged use in free-living environments remain unknown. We evaluated the acceptability of BikeAround among older adults in a retirement village and assessed its preliminary effects on physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness, blood pressure, cognitive function, perceived exertion, and balance, and mobility.

Methods: We conducted a single-arm BikeAround acceptability study among older adults living independently in a retirement village. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed to evaluate acceptability and treatment effects on physical activity, and health outcomes, respectively.

Results: Among 20 older adults, BikeAround was acceptable. More than half of the participants showed their intention to use BikeAround again. Statistically significant improvements were observed in the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test score (Wilcoxon test statistic = 210 and p < .01). There was a positive trend in physical activity participation, but none of the physical activity and sedentary behavior measures showed a statistically significant difference.

Conclusion: BikeAround was acceptable to older people for promoting physical activity in a retirement village, which could have a significant role in their health and well-being.