The Effects of a Combination of 3D Virtual Reality and Hands-on Horticultural Activities on Community-dwelling Older Adults’ Mental Health: A Quasi-Experimental Study (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Aging societies are of public health concern worldwide. It is critical to develop strategies that harness technology to enhance older adults’ mental health. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore the effects of a combination of 3D virtual reality (VR) and hands-on horticultural activities on the mental health of community-dwelling older adults. METHODS The study used a quasi-experimental design. A total of 62 community-dwelling older adults were recruited and assigned to the experimental (n=32) and comparison groups (n=30). The members of the experimental group participated in an 8-week intervention program. Participants of both groups completed before-and-after intervention measurements for outcome variables that included perceived self-esteem, depression, isolation, mastery and achievement motives, which were analyzed using the generalized estimating equation (GEE). RESULTS GEE analyses indicated that the experimental group showed significant post intervention improvements in scores for self-esteem (β=1.66, P= .015), isolation (β=-0.96, P= .008), mastery (β=1.04, P= .042), and achievement motives (β=1.30, P=.034) compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS This study found beneficial effects of a combination of three-dimensional virtual reality and hands-on horticultural activities on community-dwelling older adults’ mental health. These findings suggest that future implementations of this program on a large scale could improve the mental health of older adults. CLINICALTRIAL The study was approved from the Research Ethics Review Committee of En Chu Kong Hospital (Registration number: ECKIRB1090503).

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The Effects of a Combination of 3D Virtual Reality and Hands-on Horticultural Activities on Community-dwelling Older Adults’ Mental Health: A Quasi-Experimental Study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-948202/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ching-Chih Fan ◽

Cheuk-Sing Choy ◽

Chiu-Mieh Huang ◽

Po-Sheng Chih ◽

Chia-Chiang Lee ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Virtual Reality ◽

Self Esteem ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Health Concern ◽

Hands On ◽

Quasi Experimental ◽

Community Dwelling Older Adults ◽

Experimental Group

Abstract Background: Aging societies are of public health concern worldwide. It is critical to develop strategies that harness technology to enhance older adults’ mental health.Methods: This study aimed to explore the effects of a combination of 3D virtual reality (VR) and hands-on horticultural activities on the mental health of community-dwelling older adults. The study used a quasi-experimental design. A total of 62 community-dwelling older adults were recruited and assigned to the experimental (n=32) and comparison groups (n=30). The members of the experimental group participated in an 8-week intervention program. Participants of both groups completed before-and-after intervention measurements for outcome variables that included perceived self-esteem, depression, isolation, mastery and achievement motives, which were analyzed using the generalized estimating equation (GEE). Results: GEE analyses indicated that the experimental group showed significant post intervention improvements in scores for self-esteem (β=1.66, P= .015), isolation (β=-0.96, P= .008), mastery (β=1.04, P= .042), and achievement motives (β=1.30, P=.034) compared to the control group.Conclusions: This study found beneficial effects of a combination of three-dimensional virtual reality and hands-on horticultural activities on community-dwelling older adults’ mental health. These findings suggest that future implementations of this program on a large scale could improve the mental health of older adults. Trial Registration: The study was posted in the www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05087654) on 21/10/2021. It was approved by the Institutional Review Board of En Chu Kong Hospital and performed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki.

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Virtual Reality Training With Three-Dimensional Video Games Improves Postural Balance and Lower Extremity Strength in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Journal of Aging and Physical Activity ◽

10.1123/japa.2015-0271 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 25 (4) ◽

pp. 621-627 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Yongwoo Lee ◽

Wonjae Choi ◽

Kyeongjin Lee ◽

Changho Song ◽

Seungwon Lee

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Virtual Reality ◽

Lower Extremity ◽

Postural Balance ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Virtual Reality Training ◽

Lower Extremity Strength ◽

Community Dwelling Older Adults ◽

Experimental Group

Avatar-based three-dimensional technology is a new approach to improve physical function in older adults. The aim of this study was to use three-dimensional video gaming technology in virtual reality training to improve postural balance and lower extremity strength in a population of community-dwelling older adults. The experimental group participated in the virtual reality training program for 60 min, twice a week, for 6 weeks. Both experimental and control groups were given three times for falls prevention education at the first, third, and fifth weeks. The experimental group showed significant improvements not only in static and dynamic postural balance but also lower extremity strength (p < .05). Furthermore, the experimental group was improved to overall parameters compared with the control group (p < .05). Therefore, three-dimensional video gaming technology might be beneficial for improving postural balance and lower extremity strength in community-dwelling older adults.

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Effects of Semi-Immersive Virtual Reality-Based Cognitive Training Combined with Locomotor Activity on Cognitive Function and Gait Ability in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare9070814 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (7) ◽

pp. 814

Author(s):

Na-Kyoung Hwang ◽

Jong-Bae Choi ◽

Dae-Kil Choi ◽

Jae-Min Park ◽

Chang-Wan Hong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Virtual Reality ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Locomotor Activity ◽

Cognitive Training ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Control Group ◽

Immersive Virtual Reality ◽

Community Dwelling Older Adults ◽

Experimental Group

This study aimed to investigate the effects of semi-immersive virtual reality-based cognitive training (VRCT) combined with locomotor activity on cognitive function, balance, and gait ability in older adults. Eighteen community-dwelling older adults participated in this study. Subjects who met the selection criteria were assigned to an experimental group (n = 9) and a control group (n = 9). The experimental group received VRCT combined with locomotor activity for 30 min a day, three times a week, for 6 weeks. The control group received tabletop activity-based cognitive training for the same amount of time. Before and after the training, the Korean Mini-Mental State Examination (K-MMSE), Trail Making Test (TMT; A and B), and Digit Span Test (DST; forward and backward) were used to evaluate cognitive function; and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and 10-m Walking Test (10MWT) were used to evaluate the improvement in the balance and gait ability parameters. After the intervention, the experimental group showed a significantly greater improvement in the TMT-A (p = 0.045) and DST-backward (p = 0.012) scores compared with the control group. Regarding the gait ability variable, the experimental group showed a significant improvement in the 10MWT test (p = 0.001). This study confirmed that semi-immersive VRCT combined with locomotor activity is useful for improving cognitive function and gait ability in older adults. Therefore, VRCT combined with locomotor activity can be used as a simultaneous intervention for cognitive rehabilitation and functional capacity improvement in older adults.

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Effects of a Combination of Three-Dimensional Virtual Reality and Hands-on Horticultural Therapy on Institutionalized Older Adults’ Physical and Mental Health: Quasi-Experimental Design (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.19002 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Tsung-Yi Lin ◽

Chiu-Mieh Huang ◽

Hsiao-Pei Hsu ◽

Jung-Yu Liao ◽

Vivian Ya-Wen Cheng ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Virtual Reality ◽

Health Status ◽

Meaning In Life ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Horticultural Therapy ◽

Hands On ◽

Quasi Experimental ◽

Perceived Mattering

BACKGROUND Institutionalized older adults have limited ability to engage in horticultural activities that can improve their physical and mental health. OBJECTIVE This study explored the effects of a combination of 3D virtual reality and horticultural therapy on institutionalized older adults’ physical and mental health. METHODS The study used a quasi-experimental design. A total of 106 older adults from 2 long-term care facilities were recruited and assigned to the experimental (n=59) or control (n=47) group. The experimental participants received a 9-week intervention. Both groups completed 3 assessments: at baseline, after the intervention, and 2 months later. The outcome variables included health status, meaning in life, perceived mattering, loneliness, and depression. RESULTS The experimental group demonstrated significantly improved health status (P<.001), meaning in life (P<.001), and perceived mattering (P<.001) as well as significantly reduced depression (P<.001) and loneliness (P<.001) compared to the control group immediately after the intervention; these effects persisted for up to 2 months. CONCLUSIONS This study verified the beneficial effects of a combination of 3D virtual reality and hands-on horticultural therapy on older adults’ health. These results could support the future successful implementation of similar programs for institutionalized older adults on a larger scale.

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Effects of a Combination of Three-Dimensional Virtual Reality and Hands-on Horticultural Therapy on Institutionalized Older Adults’ Physical and Mental Health: Quasi-Experimental Design

Journal of Medical Internet Research ◽

10.2196/19002 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 22 (11) ◽

pp. e19002

Author(s):

Tsung-Yi Lin ◽

Chiu-Mieh Huang ◽

Hsiao-Pei Hsu ◽

Jung-Yu Liao ◽

Vivian Ya-Wen Cheng ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Virtual Reality ◽

Health Status ◽

Meaning In Life ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Horticultural Therapy ◽

Hands On ◽

Quasi Experimental ◽

Perceived Mattering

Background Institutionalized older adults have limited ability to engage in horticultural activities that can improve their physical and mental health. Objective This study explored the effects of a combination of 3D virtual reality and horticultural therapy on institutionalized older adults’ physical and mental health. Methods The study used a quasi-experimental design. A total of 106 older adults from 2 long-term care facilities were recruited and assigned to the experimental (n=59) or control (n=47) group. The experimental participants received a 9-week intervention. Both groups completed 3 assessments: at baseline, after the intervention, and 2 months later. The outcome variables included health status, meaning in life, perceived mattering, loneliness, and depression. Results The experimental group demonstrated significantly improved health status (P<.001), meaning in life (P<.001), and perceived mattering (P<.001) as well as significantly reduced depression (P<.001) and loneliness (P<.001) compared to the control group immediately after the intervention; these effects persisted for up to 2 months. Conclusions This study verified the beneficial effects of a combination of 3D virtual reality and hands-on horticultural therapy on older adults’ health. These results could support the future successful implementation of similar programs for institutionalized older adults on a larger scale.

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Participation in life-review playback theater enhances mental health of community-dwelling older adults: A randomized controlled trial.

Psychology of Aesthetics Creativity and the Arts ◽

10.1037/aca0000354 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Shoshi Keisari ◽

Yuval Palgi ◽

Dani Yaniv ◽

Anat Gesser-Edelsburg

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Life Review ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Community Dwelling Older Adults

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Improving Mental Health Treatment Initiation among Depressed Community Dwelling Older Adults

American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.jagp.2015.11.005 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 24 (4) ◽

pp. 310-319 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Jo Anne Sirey ◽

Samprit Banerjee ◽

Patricia Marino ◽

Ashley Halkett ◽

Elmira Raeifar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Mental Health Treatment ◽

Treatment Initiation ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Health Treatment ◽

Community Dwelling Older Adults

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Virtual reality, the COVID-19 pandemic and rehabilitation for community-dwelling older adults

British Journal of Community Nursing ◽

10.12968/bjcn.2021.26.4.196 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (4) ◽

pp. 196-198

Author(s):

James Edward Hill ◽

Joanna Harrison ◽

Catherine Harris ◽

Jacqueline Twamley

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Virtual Reality ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Community Dwelling Older Adults

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The Effectiveness of a Dyadic Pain Management Program for Community-Dwelling Older Adults with Chronic Pain: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17144966 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (14) ◽

pp. 4966

Author(s):

Ziyan Li ◽

Mimi Tse ◽

Angel Tang

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Chronic Pain ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

The Elderly ◽

Management Program ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Control Group ◽

Pain Management Program ◽

Community Dwelling Older Adults ◽

Experimental Group

Background: Chronic pain is a major health problem among older adults and their informal caregivers, which has negative effects on their physical and psychological status. The dyadic pain management program (DPMP) is provided to community-dwelling older adults and informal caregivers to help the dyads reduce pain symptoms, improve the quality of life, develop good exercise habits, as well as cope and break the vicious circle of pain. Methods: A pilot randomized controlled trial was designed and all the dyads were randomly divided into two groups: the DPMP group and control group. Dyads in the DPMP group participated in an 8-week DPMP (4-week face-to-face program and 4-week home-based program), whereas dyads in the control group received one page of simple pain-related information. Results: In total, 64 dyads participated in this study. For baseline comparisons, no significant differences were found between the two groups. After the interventions, the pain score was significantly reduced from 4.25 to 2.57 in the experimental group, respectively. In the repeated measures ANOVA, the differences in pain score (F = 107.787, p < 0.001, d = 0.777) was statistically significant for the group-by-time interaction. After the interventions, the experimental group participants demonstrated significantly higher pain self-efficacy compared with the control group (F = 80.535, p < 0.001, d = 0.722). Furthermore, the elderly increased exercise time significantly (F = 111.212, p < 0.001, d = 0.782) and reported developing good exercise habits. Conclusions: These results provide preliminary support for the effectiveness of a DPMP for relieving the symptoms of chronic pain among the elderly.

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Nutritional Intervention to Prevent the Functional Decline in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Systematic Review

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12092820 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (9) ◽

pp. 2820

Author(s):

Julie Mareschal ◽

Laurence Genton ◽

Tinh-Hai Collet ◽

Christophe Graf

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Older Adults ◽

Muscle Strength ◽

Muscle Mass ◽

Physical Performance ◽

Nutritional Intervention ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Health Concern ◽

The Impact ◽

Community Dwelling Older Adults

Aging is a global public health concern. From the age of 50, muscle mass, muscle strength and physical performance tend to decline. Sarcopenia and frailty are frequent in community-dwelling older adults and are associated with negative outcomes such as physical disability and mortality. Therefore, the identification of therapeutic strategies to prevent and fight sarcopenia and frailty is of great interest. This systematic review aims to summarize the impact of nutritional interventions alone or combined with other treatment(s) in older community-dwelling adults on (1) the three indicators of sarcopenia, i.e., muscle mass, muscle strength and physical performance; and (2) the hospitalization and readmission rates. The literature search was performed on Medline and included studies published between January 2010 and June 2020. We included randomized controlled trials of nutritional intervention alone or combined with other treatment(s) in community-living subjects aged 65 or older. In total, 28 articles were retained in the final analysis. This systematic review highlights the importance of a multimodal approach, including at least a combined nutritional and exercise intervention, to improve muscle mass, muscle strength and physical performance, in community-dwelling older adults but especially in frail and sarcopenic subjects. Regarding hospitalization and readmission rate, data were limited and inconclusive. Future studies should continue to investigate the effects of such interventions in this population.

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