Improved Motivation for Physical Activity in an Institutionalized Geriatric Population Through a Virtual Environment

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends for people aged 65 years and over a weekly practice of at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity endurance activities or at least 75 minutes of activity. endurance of sustained intensity, or an equivalent combination of moderate and sustained activity. However, the attractiveness for physical activity fades over the years limiting the practice of physical activity. Several types of unconventional approaches have already shown their effectiveness in the prevention of falls in the elderly but these practices find their limits in the lack of adherence to this type of exercise, especially in nursing homes. New virtual reality and gaming technologies have recently emerged and are being used as tools to prevent the risk of falling. The use of these new tools has advantages over conventional exercises: motivating.

The investigators aimed to test the interest of a virtual environment with cycling to increase the motivation of physical activity practice in institutionalized older adults.

Inclusion criteria

• age over 65
• ability to cycle

Exclusion criteria

• unstable cardiopathy
• New York Heart Association classification III or IV
• severe cognitive disorders with inability to follow simple orders (follow investigator, ride on the ergometric bicycles, pedal)
• visual disturbance preventing counting fingers at 5m