Assessing the Feasibility and Efficacy of Virtual Reality Navigational Training for Older Adults.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

This study evaluates the feasibility of virtual reality (VR) wayfinding training with aging adults and assesses the impact of the training on wayfinding performance.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

49 participants were recruited using a convenience sample approach. Wayfinding tasks were conducted by 3 participant groups: active VR training, passive video training, and no training, assigned randomly. The training featured 5 tasks in a digital version of a real building. Post-training assessments used 10 tasks in this same building, half of the tasks familiar from the training and half new. The study was double-blinded, with each intervention lasting 10 min. The primary outcomes include the Distance Traveled and Duration for each wayfinding task, with a fixed 10-min limit.

RESULTS

Participants in the VR group reported moderate usability and a high sense of Self Location in the environment with respect to the training intervention. No significant differences were found in performance for the first group of similar wayfinding tasks; however, in the subsequent set of new tasks the VR group significantly outperformed the Control group. This suggests a possible spatial learning effect across multiple exposures (VR training followed by similar task). No adverse effects were reported during or post intervention.

DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS

This study provides preliminary evidence that VR training can help to improve wayfinding performance in older adults with no reported adverse effects.