Aging, Balance Impairment, Cognitive Decline, Mobility Limitation, Sarcopenia
Conditions
Keywords
Augmented Reality, Treadmill Walking, Older Adults, Cognitive Function, Body Composition, Balance Training, Sarcopenia Intervention, Technology Acceptance, Physical Activity, Gait Rehabilitation
Brief summary
This study evaluated the feasibility and health effects of using augmented reality (AR) treadmill walking in older adults. Sixty community-dwelling adults aged 65 to 80 years were randomly assigned to either an AR treadmill group or a traditional treadmill group. Both groups participated in supervised walking sessions three times per week for twelve weeks. The study examined changes in mobility, balance, body composition, physiological responses, and participants' perceptions of the AR technology.
Detailed description
This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of augmented reality (AR) treadmill walking on mobility-related motor function, body composition, physiological responses, and technology acceptance among older adults. A total of 60 community-dwelling adults aged 65 to 80 years were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (AR treadmill walking) or a control group (traditional treadmill walking). Participants in both groups engaged in supervised walking sessions three times per week for twelve weeks. Each session lasted 60 minutes, including a 10-minute warm-up, 40-minute treadmill walking, and a 10-minute cool-down. The AR treadmill (JOHNSON 8.1T) provided immersive visual environments and real-time feedback on physiological data. The control group used a standard treadmill (CHANSON CS-6630) without AR features. Primary outcome measures included stride length, gait speed, and balance. Secondary outcomes included skeletal muscle mass, body fat mass, body fat percentage, heart rate, calorie expenditure, walking distance, and technology acceptance assessed by a validated questionnaire. Statistical analysis included repeated-measures ANOVA, independent t-tests, and Pearson correlation analysis to examine group differences and associations between physiological responses and technology acceptance.
Interventions
Participants walked on a traditional treadmill with standard time, speed, and distance tracking, no AR features.
DEVICEJOHNSON 8.1T treadmill with Passport AR system
Participants walked on an AR-integrated treadmill with immersive virtual environments and real-time feedback.
Sponsors
National Taiwan College of Performing Arts
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Masking description
No masking was used in this study. Due to the nature of the intervention (visible augmented reality equipment), participants, investigators, and outcome assessors were aware of group assignments.
Intervention model description
Participants were randomly assigned to one of two parallel groups: an experimental group that received augmented reality treadmill walking training and a control group that received traditional treadmill walking training. Both groups participated in the same frequency and duration of exercise (3 sessions per week for 12 weeks), allowing direct comparison of intervention effects on cognitive function, body composition, and physiological responses.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
65 Years to 80 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Community-dwelling adults aged 65 to 80 years Able to walk independently without assistive devices Cognitively intact and able to follow instructions No prior use of augmented reality (AR) exercise programs within the past 3 months Willing to participate in the study and provide informed consent
Exclusion criteria
Diagnosed with chronic conditions that impair mobility (e.g., cardiovascular disease, severe arthritis) Severe visual or auditory impairments that affect interaction with AR equipment Neurological or psychiatric disorders that may interfere with participation Known susceptibility to motion sickness or discomfort with virtual environments (AR-induced discomfort) Inability to complete the 12-week training protocol or attend scheduled assessments
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Gait Speed | Baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention | Walking speed (in meters per second) assessed during a 30-meter walk test. |
| Stride Length | Baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention | Average stride length (in centimeters) measured using the 2-Minute Walk Test (2MWT). |
| Balance (Timed Up and Go Test) | Baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention | Time taken to complete the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Lower values indicate better balance. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Heart Rate | During each session (12 weeks) | Average heart rate monitored during each exercise session using treadmill sensors or wearable device. |
| Calorie Expenditure | During each session (12 weeks) | Calories burned per session, tracked by treadmill and validated device. |
| Body Fat Mass | Baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention | Measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis (InBody 520). Unit: kg. |
| Technology Acceptance | After 12 weeks of intervention | Measured using a validated questionnaire based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), including perceived ease of use, usefulness, and behavioral intention. |
| Distance Walked | During each session (12 weeks) | Total distance covered per session (in meters or kilometers). |
| Body Fat Percentage | Baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention | Measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis (InBody 520). Unit: %. |
| Skeletal Muscle Mass | Baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention | Measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis (InBody 520). Unit: kg. |
Countries
Taiwan
Outcome results
None listed