A Literature Review of Virtual Reality Exergames for Older Adults: Enhancing Physical, Cognitive, and Social Health
Virtual reality (VR) sports games are increasingly becoming important tools for enhancing cognitive and physical health among older adults. However, current research faces several challenges. Many experimental studies utilize existing games designed for general populations, lacking those specificall...
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MDPI AG
2025-01-01
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| author | Xiacheng Song Nazlena Mohamad Ali Mohamad Hidir Mhd Salim Muhammad Yudhi Rezaldi |
| author_facet | Xiacheng Song Nazlena Mohamad Ali Mohamad Hidir Mhd Salim Muhammad Yudhi Rezaldi |
| author_sort | Xiacheng Song |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Virtual reality (VR) sports games are increasingly becoming important tools for enhancing cognitive and physical health among older adults. However, current research faces several challenges. Many experimental studies utilize existing games designed for general populations, lacking those specifically tailored for older adults; small sample sizes limit the generalizability of results; and issues such as cybersickness and technology adaptability remain challenges, although progress has been made. This literature review employs the PRISMA method to assess the latest research findings on the impact of VR sports games in improving cognitive and physical functions in older adults. We conducted a search in the Web of Science and SCOPUS databases, selecting literature related to VR interventions for balance, muscle strength, memory, and concentration enhancement. From an initial pool of 1705 articles, 12 studies met the inclusion criteria. Results indicate that VR sports games significantly enhance older adults’ exercise motivation through immersive experiences, while real-time feedback promotes the simultaneous improvement of cognitive and physical abilities. Furthermore, the social interaction elements within the VR environment effectively alleviate feelings of loneliness and enhance engagement longevity. Future research should focus on developing personalized and collaborative VR game designs and exploring their applications in home rehabilitation and community care to enhance accessibility and long-term effects. This review provides theoretical and practical support for the innovative application of VR technology in promoting healthy aging. It will benefit technology developers and researchers focused on the cognitive and physical health of older adults. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-ec610e98b70c42dfa1eaed8b74169498 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2076-3417 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Applied Sciences |
| spelling | doaj-art-ec610e98b70c42dfa1eaed8b741694982025-01-10T13:15:16ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172025-01-0115135110.3390/app15010351A Literature Review of Virtual Reality Exergames for Older Adults: Enhancing Physical, Cognitive, and Social HealthXiacheng Song0Nazlena Mohamad Ali1Mohamad Hidir Mhd Salim2Muhammad Yudhi Rezaldi3INTERAKSI Research Group, Institute of Visual Informatics (IVI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, MalaysiaINTERAKSI Research Group, Institute of Visual Informatics (IVI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, MalaysiaINTERAKSI Research Group, Institute of Visual Informatics (IVI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, MalaysiaResearch Centre for Data and Information Sciences, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bandung 40135, IndonesiaVirtual reality (VR) sports games are increasingly becoming important tools for enhancing cognitive and physical health among older adults. However, current research faces several challenges. Many experimental studies utilize existing games designed for general populations, lacking those specifically tailored for older adults; small sample sizes limit the generalizability of results; and issues such as cybersickness and technology adaptability remain challenges, although progress has been made. This literature review employs the PRISMA method to assess the latest research findings on the impact of VR sports games in improving cognitive and physical functions in older adults. We conducted a search in the Web of Science and SCOPUS databases, selecting literature related to VR interventions for balance, muscle strength, memory, and concentration enhancement. From an initial pool of 1705 articles, 12 studies met the inclusion criteria. Results indicate that VR sports games significantly enhance older adults’ exercise motivation through immersive experiences, while real-time feedback promotes the simultaneous improvement of cognitive and physical abilities. Furthermore, the social interaction elements within the VR environment effectively alleviate feelings of loneliness and enhance engagement longevity. Future research should focus on developing personalized and collaborative VR game designs and exploring their applications in home rehabilitation and community care to enhance accessibility and long-term effects. This review provides theoretical and practical support for the innovative application of VR technology in promoting healthy aging. It will benefit technology developers and researchers focused on the cognitive and physical health of older adults.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/1/351virtual realityexergameolder adultscognitive and physical health |
| spellingShingle | Xiacheng Song Nazlena Mohamad Ali Mohamad Hidir Mhd Salim Muhammad Yudhi Rezaldi A Literature Review of Virtual Reality Exergames for Older Adults: Enhancing Physical, Cognitive, and Social Health Applied Sciences virtual reality exergame older adults cognitive and physical health |
| title | A Literature Review of Virtual Reality Exergames for Older Adults: Enhancing Physical, Cognitive, and Social Health |
| title_full | A Literature Review of Virtual Reality Exergames for Older Adults: Enhancing Physical, Cognitive, and Social Health |
| title_fullStr | A Literature Review of Virtual Reality Exergames for Older Adults: Enhancing Physical, Cognitive, and Social Health |
| title_full_unstemmed | A Literature Review of Virtual Reality Exergames for Older Adults: Enhancing Physical, Cognitive, and Social Health |
| title_short | A Literature Review of Virtual Reality Exergames for Older Adults: Enhancing Physical, Cognitive, and Social Health |
| title_sort | literature review of virtual reality exergames for older adults enhancing physical cognitive and social health |
| topic | virtual reality exergame older adults cognitive and physical health |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/1/351 |
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