The VESPA Pilot Study

Launched by WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY · Feb 15, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The VESPA Pilot Study is exploring a new way to help older adults become more physically active using virtual reality (VR). Physical activity is important for health, but many older adults struggle to stay active due to various challenges, like limited access to enjoyable activities and social support. This study aims to see if a VR program can provide a fun and engaging way for older adults to participate in group exercise, compared to traditional video conferencing methods.

To participate in this study, you must be between 45 and 80 years old, have a body mass index (BMI) between 30 and 45, and currently do not get enough exercise (less than 30 minutes of moderate activity on two or fewer days a week). You also need access to Wi-Fi and a device like a computer or tablet for virtual meetings, as well as a safe space at home for VR activities. Importantly, you'll need an "activity buddy," like a family member or caregiver, to join you. If you meet these criteria and are interested, this study could be a great opportunity to improve your physical health while having fun and connecting with others!

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age of 45-80 years
• • Body mass index between 30-45 kg/m2
• • Low-active (30 or more minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on 2 or fewer days per week)
• • Have access to home Wi-Fi
• • Have regular access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone to receive teleconferencing calls
• • Have a clear "VR space" (7'x7' object-free space)
• • Have an "Activity buddy" (spouse, child, caregiver, etc.)
• • Modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS-M) score of 32 or greater
• • Consent from a physician for study participation
• • Proficient in the English language
• • Willingness to create or use existing personal Facebook account for virtual reality activities.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Current involvement in other physical activity research studies
• • Hearing or sight impairments (significant visual or hearing impairment that cannot be corrected and results in the inability to use the telephone or hear normal conversation, colorblindness)
• • Dependence on a cane or walker
• • More than 1 fall in the past year
• • Contraindication to exercise
• • Current or recent history within the last 6 months of: symptomatic coronary heart disease, cancer, liver or renal disease, severe pulmonary disease, gross physical impairment, or uncontrolled hypertension; myocardial infarction or cardiovascular procedure within the last 3 months
• • History of or diagnosis of photosensitive epilepsy
• • Score of "severe" on any question in the Virtual Reality Sickness Questionnaire;
• • Unwillingness to use a head-mounted virtual reality system
• • Current severe or untreated depression