The Effect of Virtual Reality Exergame on Physical Activity and Fitness in The Elderly

NCT07089667 | Completed DMC

• 1 other identifier: UH24010039
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 40
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Virtual Reality exergame is a video games that combine body motion control with physical activity in a safe virtual environment. In the elderly, VR exergames like the Nintendo Switch RingFit Adventure aid rehabilitation, improving physical function, cognition, balance and mental well-being. These games overcome the boredom of traditional exercise with a multisensory and interactive environment that engages the whole body. The general objective of the present research is to evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality exergames on physical activity and fitness in the elderly. Design : This study is an experimental study with a randomized controlled trial - double blind design. This experimental study was conducted with blinding, specifically a single blinding where the researcher and data analyst (statistician) did not know the allocation of samples to the intervention and control groups.

Conditions

Healthy Elderly

Keywords

Virtual Reality Exergame; Older Adult; Physical Activity

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (7)

• physical activity

  Physical activity was measured using the Indonesian version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) - Short Form. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) score is calculated by assessing the duration and frequency of physical activities across three categories: walking, moderate-intensity, and vigorous-intensity activities. Each category is assigned a standard Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) value, namely 3.3 METs for walking, 4.0 METs for moderate activities, and 8.0 METs for vigorous activities. The weekly total MET-minutes are obtained by multiplying the MET value by the minutes per day and the number of days per week for each activity type, then summing these values across all categories. Based on the total MET-minutes per week, physical activity levels are interpreted : * Sedentary (\<600 MET-minutes/week) * Intermediate (600-3,000 MET-minutes/week) * Active (\>3,000 MET-minutes/week)

  Physical activity was assessed at week 0 (before the intervention) and week 6 (after the intervention) to evaluate changes in participants' physical activity levels during the intervention period.

• body composition (muscle mass)

  The body composition (muscle mass) parameter is integratedly measured using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) with the Tanita BC 730 device. interpretation : Muscle mass, also presented as a percentage, reflects lean body mass important for function, with males aged 60-79 years ranging from 70-84% and females from 60-72.5%.

  Body composition (muscle mass) was assessed at week 0 (before the intervention) and week 6 (after the intervention) to evaluate changes in participants' body composition during the intervention period.

• Hand muscle strength

  Hand muscle strength was measured using an electronic hand dynamometer, CAMRY ISO 9001 model EH101.

  Hand muscle strength was assessed at week 0 (before the intervention) and week 6 (after the intervention) to evaluate changes in participants' hand muscle strength during the intervention period.

• Muscle endurance

  Muscle endurance was measured using the 30-second sit-to-stand test with a stopwatch

  Muscle endurance was assessed at week 0 (prior to the intervention) and week 6 (post-intervention) to evaluate changes in participants' muscle endurance throughout the intervention period.

• Flexibility

  Flexibility was assessed using the Chair Sit-and-Reach Test.

  Flexibility was assessed at week 0 (prior to the intervention) and week 6 (post-intervention) to evaluate changes in participants' flexibility throughout the intervention period.

• body composition (fat mass)

  The body composition (fat mass) parameter is integratedly measured using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) with the Tanita BC 730 device. Interpretation : Fat mass is expressed as a percentage of total body weight, varying by age and sex; for instance, males over 40 years typically range from 11-24%, while females range from 23-35%.

  Body composition (fat mass) was assessed at week 0 (before the intervention) and week 6 (after the intervention) to evaluate changes in participants' body composition during the intervention period.

• Body composition (Bone mass)

  The body composition (bone mass) parameter is integratedly measured using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) with the Tanita BC 730 device. interpretation : Bone mass is reported in kilograms and stratified by weight and sex, such as 2.65-3.29 kg for males weighing 65-95 kg and about 2.40 kg for females weighing between 50-75 kg.

  Body composition (bone mass) was assessed at week 0 (before the intervention) and week 6 (after the intervention) to evaluate changes in participants' body composition during the intervention period.

Study Arms (2)

virtual reality exergame

EXPERIMENTAL

The Virtual Reality Exergame intervention involves physical exercise sessions using VR technology - the game Ring Fit Adventure, specifically designed for older adults. Participants begin with 10-minute exercise sessions, increasing by 5 minutes each week until reaching 30 minutes per session. The exercise frequency is three times per week, conducted over a 6-week period. The exercise prescription follows a protocol developed by the researchers. The training includes aerobic movements integrated into interactive games (types of games as specified in the protocol) that stimulate physical activity and motor coordination.

Behavioral: virtual reality exergame

Conventional-based aerobic exercise

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

The control group performs conventional aerobic exercise based on video aerobic exercise of the Ministry of Health (KEMENKES) protocol, with the same duration and frequency, to ensure an equivalent comparison in improving physical activity and fitness among older adults. Participants begin with 10-minute exercise sessions, increasing by 5 minutes each week until reaching 30 minutes per session. The exercise frequency is three times per week, conducted over a 6-week period. The exercise prescription follows a protocol developed by the researchers.

Behavioral: Conventional

Interventions

virtual reality exergame BEHAVIORAL

virtual reality exergame using Nintendo RingFit

virtual reality exergame

Conventional BEHAVIORAL

Conventional-based aerobic exercise using video aerobic exercise of the Ministry of Health (KEMENKES) protocol

Conventional-based aerobic exercise

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 60 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Willing to participate in the study
• Aged above 60 years
• Able to watch television with or without glasses from a distance of 2 meters (visual acuity between 20/20 and 20/80)
• No cognitive impairment (MOCA-Ina score: 26-30)

You may not qualify if:

• Congestive heart failure
• Uncontrolled hypertension
• History of fracture or surgery within the last 6 months
• Currently on the waiting list for orthopedic surgery
• Myocardial infarction or stroke within the last 6 months
• Dependence on a wheelchair
• Severe hearing and vision impairments
• Other neuromusculoskeletal disorders that interfere with the ability to perform exercises (pain with VAS \> 4)

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Hasanuddin University: lead

Study Sites (1)

GPIB Jemaat Bukit Zaitun

Makassar, South Sulawesi, 90134, Indonesia

Location

Related Publications (30)

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  BACKGROUND

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  RESULT

• Mologne MS, Hu J, Carrillo E, Gomez D, Yamamoto T, Lu S, Browne JD, Dolezal BA. The Efficacy of an Immersive Virtual Reality Exergame Incorporating an Adaptive Cable Resistance System on Fitness and Cardiometabolic Measures: A 12-Week Randomized Controlled Trial. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Dec 23;20(1):210. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20010210.

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• Nishi, N. , Tanaka, N. and Hirano, N. (2022) Characteristics of Body Composition and Relationship between Muscle Mass and Muscle Strength among Elderly Women in Different Age Groups. Advances in Aging Research, 11, 135-149. doi: 10.4236/aar.2022.115010.

  RESULT

• Bai X, Soh KG, Omar Dev RD, Talib O, Xiao W, Soh KL, Ong SL, Zhao C, Galeru O, Casaru C. Aerobic Exercise Combination Intervention to Improve Physical Performance Among the Elderly: A Systematic Review. Front Physiol. 2022 Jan 4;12:798068. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2021.798068. eCollection 2021.

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• Rodriguez-Almagro D, Achalandabaso-Ochoa A, Ibanez-Vera AJ, Gongora-Rodriguez J, Rodriguez-Huguet M. Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Therapy on Balance and Gait in the Elderly: A Systematic Review. Healthcare (Basel). 2024 Jan 9;12(2):158. doi: 10.3390/healthcare12020158.

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• Naugle KE, Cervantes XA, Boone CL, Wind B, Naugle KM. Exploring actual and perceived levels of physical activity intensity during virtual reality active games. Front Sports Act Living. 2024 Feb 9;6:1349521. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2024.1349521. eCollection 2024.

  PMID: 38406766 RESULT

• Janeh O, Frundt O, Schonwald B, Gulberti A, Buhmann C, Gerloff C, Steinicke F, Potter-Nerger M. Gait Training in Virtual Reality: Short-Term Effects of Different Virtual Manipulation Techniques in Parkinson's Disease. Cells. 2019 May 6;8(5):419. doi: 10.3390/cells8050419.

  PMID: 31064145 RESULT

• Dore B, Gaudreault A, Everard G, Ayena JC, Abboud A, Robitaille N, Batcho CS. Acceptability, Feasibility, and Effectiveness of Immersive Virtual Technologies to Promote Exercise in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Sensors (Basel). 2023 Feb 24;23(5):2506. doi: 10.3390/s23052506.

  PMID: 36904709 RESULT

• Gao Z, Lee JE, McDonough DJ, Albers C. Virtual Reality Exercise as a Coping Strategy for Health and Wellness Promotion in Older Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Clin Med. 2020 Jun 25;9(6):1986. doi: 10.3390/jcm9061986.

  PMID: 32630367 RESULT

• Campo-Prieto P, Cancela-Carral JM, Rodriguez-Fuentes G. Feasibility and Effects of an Immersive Virtual Reality Exergame Program on Physical Functions in Institutionalized Older Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Sensors (Basel). 2022 Sep 6;22(18):6742. doi: 10.3390/s22186742.

  PMID: 36146092 RESULT

• Kruse, L., Karaosmanoglu, S., Rings, S., Ellinger, B., & Steinicke, F. (2021). Enabling Immersive Exercise Activities for Older Adults: A Comparison of Virtual Reality Exergames and Traditional Video Exercises. Societies, 11(4), 134. https://doi.org/10.3390/soc11040134

  RESULT

• Triangto K, Radi B, Siswanto BB, Tambunan TF, Heriansyah T, Harahap AR, Kekalih A, Katsukawa H, Santoso A. Non-dominant handgrip strength is associated with higher cardiorespiratory endurance and elevated NT-proBNP concentrations in ambulatory male adult outpatients with stable HFrEF. Narra J. 2024 Dec;4(3):e1278. doi: 10.52225/narra.v4i3.1278. Epub 2024 Nov 25.

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  RESULT

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• Shahana, A., Nair, U.S. and Hasrani, S.S. (2010) 'Effect of aerobic exercise programme on health related physical fitness components of middle aged women', British Journal of Sports Medicine, 44(Suppl_1), pp. i19-i19. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.2010.078725.60.

  RESULT

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  PMID: 20956840 RESULT

• Lo YP, Chiang SL, Lin CH, Liu HC, Chiang LC. Effects of Individualized Aerobic Exercise Training on Physical Activity and Health-Related Physical Fitness among Middle-Aged and Older Adults with Multimorbidity: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Dec 25;18(1):101. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18010101.

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Related Links

• Effects of Individualized Aerobic Exercise Training on Physical Activity and Health-Related Physical Fitness among Middle-Aged and Older Adults with Multimorbidity: A Randomized Controlled Trial
• WHO - Multisectoral action for a life course approach to healthy ageing: draft global strategy and plan of action on ageing and health
• WHO guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour
• EFFECT OF AEROBIC EXERCISE ON PHYSICAL FUNCTION INDICES IN THE ELDERLY
• The effect of low impact aerobic exercise on increasing physical fitness for the elderly
• EFFECT OF AEROBIC EXERCISE ON NEUROMUSCULAR QUALITY IN THE ELDERLY
• Effects of virtual reality-based aerobic endurance training on the functional fitness of healthy older adults: A systematic review
• The Effect Of Aerobic Exercise On Body Weight and Body Fat Percentage
• EFFECT OF AEROBIC EXERCISE ASSOCIATED WITH RESISTANCE TRAINING ON BODY COMPOSITION OF MIDDLE-AGED AND ELDERLY WOMEN

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Motor Activity

Interventions

Exergaming; Congresses as Topic

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Behavior

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Exercise; Motor Activity; Movement; Musculoskeletal Physiological Phenomena; Musculoskeletal and Neural Physiological Phenomena; Organizations; Health Care Economics and Organizations

Study Officials

• Andi Amirah Shaleha Junaedi, MD, M.Sc

  Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine of Hasanuddin University, Indonesia

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: DOUBLE
• Who Masked: INVESTIGATOR, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Masking Details: In this study, masking is applied to both the investigators and the outcomes assessors to minimize bias during data collection and analysis. The investigators who analyze the data are blinded to the participants' group assignments to ensure objective interpretation of the results. The outcomes assessors, responsible for evaluating physical activity and fitness, are also blinded to which intervention each participant received, preventing subjective influence on outcome measurement.
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Principal Investigator

Model Details: The interventional study model in this research employs a parallel design, where participants are randomly assigned into two groups. One group receives the intervention in the form of Virtual Reality Exergame, while the other group serves as a control group receiving conventional aerobic exercise following the Ministry of Health. Both groups proceed simultaneously throughout the study period to compare the effects of the intervention on physical activity and fitness in older adults. This parallel model allows for a direct evaluation of the effectiveness of Virtual Reality Exergame by comparing outcomes between groups at the same time, resulting in more valid and reliable findings. Randomization is used to minimize bias and ensure equivalence between groups.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: July 7, 2025
• First Posted: July 28, 2025
• Study Start: June 21, 2024
• Primary Completion: August 9, 2024
• Study Completion: August 9, 2024
• Last Updated: July 31, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-07

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will share
• Shared Documents: STUDY PROTOCOL, CSR
• Time Frame: The individual participant data (IPD) and accompanying supporting information will be made available starting 6 months after the publication of the main study results and will remain accessible for a period of 5 years. This timeframe allows sufficient time for initial data analysis and dissemination, while providing other researchers ample opportunity for secondary analysis and collaboration.
• Access Criteria: Access to individual participant data (IPD) and supporting documentation will be granted to qualified researchers who submit a formal request outlining the purpose and proposed analyses. Data will be shared for purposes consistent with advancing scientific knowledge in the field of physical activity, virtual reality, aging. Requests will be reviewed by the principal investigator and a data access committee to ensure ethical use and participant confidentiality. Data will be shared through a secure data-sharing platform after signing a data use agreement to protect privacy and intellectual property

Locations

ID (1)