VR Gaming and Its Impact on Functional Status and Quality of Life in Seniors

This project examined the impact of virtual reality (VR)-based physical activity on the functional status and quality of life (QoL) of older residents in a nursing home. It is know that VR-related therapy and activation programs help in a positive attitude toward health and emotions, reduce susceptibility to depression and social isolation, and enhance engagement in physical activities. As an atrractive and motivating tools, VR have the potential to promote greater physical activity and overall improvement, including functional status and QoL in older adults. Such findings indicate that incorporating VR into exercise programs for the older adults may enhancements in functional status and QoL compared to traditional, non-VR-based therapy. The primary goal of this study was to assess changes in functional status and QoL in older participants in VR-based physical activity. The project involves a comprehensive evaluation, including assessments of physical and psychomotor fitness, body composition, key blood morphology parameters, lipid profile, blood glucose levels, oral microbiome composition, and overall well-being. Additionally, psychological factors such as anxiety levels is examined, assuming that these parameters may improve through VR-enhanced physical activity. The investigators hypothesize that VR-based therapy will leads to significant improvements in psychomotor and functional fitness, exercise tolerance, and overall well-being, thereby enhancing the QoL in older adults. The findings of this research may contribute to the development of innovative programs aimed at supporting elderly individuals in maintaining and improving their functional status-whether during recovery, rehabilitation, or in sustaining optimal physical and mental health.