Napetschnig Alina, Deiters Wolfgang, Brixius Klara, Bertram Michael, Vogel Christoph
Department of Health Sciences, Bochum University of Applied Sciences, Gesundheitscampus 6-8, 44801 Bochum, Germany.
Institute of Circulatory Research and Sports Medicine, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933 Cologne, Germany.
Geriatrics (Basel). 2025 Jul 24;10(4):99. doi: 10.3390/geriatrics10040099.
Aging is often accompanied by physical and cognitive decline, affecting older adults' mobility. Virtual reality (VR) offers innovative opportunities to safely practice everyday tasks, such as street crossing. This study was designed as a feasibility and pilot study to explore acceptance, usability, and preliminary effects of a VR-based road-crossing intervention for older adults. It investigates the use of virtual reality (VR) as an innovative training tool to support senior citizens in safely navigating everyday challenges such as crossing roads. By providing an immersive environment with realistic traffic scenarios, VR enables participants to practice in a safe and controlled setting, minimizing the risks associated with real-world road traffic. A VR training application called "Wegfest" was developed to facilitate targeted road-crossing practice. The application simulates various scenarios commonly encountered by older adults, such as crossing busy streets or waiting at traffic lights. The study applied a single-group pre-post design. Outcomes included the Timed Up and Go test (TUG), Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I), and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). The development process of "Wegfest" demonstrates how a highly realistic street environment can be created for VR-based road-crossing training. Significant improvements were found in the Timed Up and Go test ( = 0.002, d = 0.784) and fall-related self-efficacy (FES-I, = 0.005). No change was observed in cognitive function (MoCA, = 0.56). Participants reported increased subjective safety ( < 0.001). The development of the VR training application "Wegfest" highlights the feasibility of creating realistic virtual environments for skill development. By leveraging immersive technology, both physical and cognitive skills required for road-crossing can be effectively trained. The findings suggest that "Wegfest" has the potential to enhance the mobility and safety of older adults in road traffic through immersive experiences and targeted training interventions. As an innovative training tool, the VR application not only provides an engaging and enjoyable learning environment but also fosters self-confidence and independence among older adults in traffic settings. Regular training within the virtual world enables senior citizens to continuously refine their skills, ultimately improving their quality of life.
衰老常常伴随着身体和认知能力的衰退，影响老年人的行动能力。虚拟现实（VR）为安全地练习日常任务（如过马路）提供了创新机会。本研究旨在作为一项可行性和试点研究，以探索基于VR的老年人过马路干预措施的可接受性、可用性和初步效果。它调查了将虚拟现实（VR）用作一种创新训练工具，以帮助老年人安全应对日常挑战（如过马路）的情况。通过提供具有逼真交通场景的沉浸式环境，VR使参与者能够在安全且可控的环境中练习，将与现实世界道路交通相关的风险降至最低。开发了一个名为 “Wegfest” 的VR训练应用程序，以促进有针对性的过马路练习。该应用程序模拟了老年人常见的各种场景，如穿过繁忙街道或在交通信号灯处等待。该研究采用单组前后测设计。结果包括计时起立行走测试（TUG）、国际跌倒效能量表（FES-I）和蒙特利尔认知评估（MoCA）。“Wegfest” 的开发过程展示了如何为基于VR的过马路训练创建高度逼真的街道环境。在计时起立行走测试中发现了显著改善（p = 0.002，d = 0.784）以及与跌倒相关的自我效能感（FES-I，p = 0.005）。未观察到认知功能有变化（MoCA，p = 0.56）。参与者报告主观安全感有所提高（p < 0.001）。VR训练应用程序 “Wegfest” 的开发突出了创建逼真虚拟环境以进行技能培养的可行性。通过利用沉浸式技术，可以有效训练过马路所需的身体和认知技能。研究结果表明，“Wegfest” 有潜力通过沉浸式体验和有针对性的训练干预措施，提高老年人在道路交通中的行动能力和安全性。作为一种创新训练工具，VR应用程序不仅提供了一个引人入胜且有趣的学习环境，还能培养老年人在交通场景中的自信心和独立性。在虚拟世界中进行定期训练能使老年人不断完善技能，最终改善他们的生活质量。
