Physical Capacity Changes Following a Virtual Reality-Assisted Exercise Program in Institutionalized Older Adults: A Pilot Intervention Study

Abstract

Highlights What are the main findings? A virtual reality-assisted exercise program provided preliminary descriptive information on potential favorable changes in cardiovascular health and functional capacity among institutionalized older adults. Participants demonstrated 100% adherence to the intervention, completing all prescribed sessions (10/10), and reported high satisfaction, with no adverse events during the intervention. What are the implications of the main findings? Virtual reality appears to be a feasible strategy to enhance engagement and adherence in exercise programs for older adults in institutional settings. These preliminary findings support further exploration of immersive technologies in rehabilitation and health promotion programs for older adults. Abstract Background: Physical inactivity and functional decline are common among institutionalized older adults, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and loss of independence. Innovative strategies such as virtual reality-assisted exercise may enhance adherence and improve health outcomes in this population. Methods: A pilot intervention study with a pre-post design was conducted in five institutionalized older adults who participated in a virtual reality-assisted multicomponent exercise program. The intervention included sessions combining strength, aerobics, balance, and flexibility exercises. Anthropometric, cardiovascular, and functional variables were assessed before and after the intervention. Physiological responses were assessed at the beginning of the sessions, midway through the intervention, and at the end of the program, along with participant satisfaction. Results: Preliminary descriptive changes were identified following the intervention, including lower values for body mass, body fat percentage, and systolic blood pressure, together with higher scores in several functional capacity measures, such as lower and upper body strength, aerobic endurance, and mobility. Physiological responses during exercise remained within expected ranges across sessions. All participants reported high satisfaction with the intervention, and no adverse events were documented. Conclusions: A multicomponent exercise program integrating virtual reality appears to be a feasible and well-tolerated intervention for institutionalized older adults. The preliminary descriptive findings suggest potential favorable changes in cardiovascular health and functional capacity; however, because no control group was included, the specific contribution of the virtual reality component cannot be determined.