Knowledge Performance, User Experience, and Cybersickness With Immersive Virtual Reality for Tai Chi Movement-Encoding in Older Adults: Randomized Comparison Study.
XiaCheng Song, Lu Sun, Yaqing Song et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial compared immersive virtual reality (VR) to 2D video instruction for Tai Chi movement-encoding in 106 community-dwelling older adults. The study found no significant difference in movement-encoding performance between the two methods (adjusted difference -0.27, 95% CI -2.25 to 1.72; P =.79). However, VR was associated with a more favorable game experience profile.
Key findings
- No significant difference in movement-encoding performance between VR and video instruction (adjusted difference -0.27, P =.79).
- VR participants reported higher competence (mean 4.15 vs 3.36) and flow (mean 4.46 vs 3.77) compared to video instruction.
- 78% of VR participants reported zero symptoms of cybersickness, indicating good tolerability.
Why it matters
Understanding the effectiveness and user experience of immersive VR in older adults is crucial for developing engaging rehabilitation tools. This study suggests that while VR may not enhance performance, it can improve user experience, which is important for adherence to physical activity programs.