Virtual Reality Gaming and Its Impact and Effectiveness in Improving Eye–Hand Coordination and Attention Concentration in the Oldest-Old Population
<b>Background</b>: The ageing process is associated with a decline in cognitive functions, including eye-hand coordination, attention concentration, and psychomotor reaction time. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of virtual reality-based therapy in enhancing cognitive functions in seniors. <b>Methods</b>: This study was conducted on 38 cases (29 women and 9 men) with a mean age of 87.2 years, who were divided into two groups: a VR group (with a 4-week, three-time-week training program using the game "<i>Beat Saber</i>") and a control group (with a standard 4-week exercise program). Assessments of eye-hand coordination and attentional concentration were conducted at the beginning (T<sub>0</sub>) and the end (T<sub>1</sub>) of the training. <b>Results</b>: Analysis of eye-hand coordination and attentional concentration showed significant improvement in both groups (T<sub>0</sub> vs. T<sub>1</sub>: <i>p</i> = 0.0002 for the intervention group and <i>p</i> = 0.007 for the control group). However, the effect in the VR group was almost three times greater than in the control group (1.689 vs. 0.615 in D effect). Moreover, in the VR group, an analysis of "good cuts" indicated improvements in both parameters after 4 weeks of VR training. The percentage of correctly received stimuli increased significantly across sessions (<i>p</i> < 0.00001). Furthermore, 84.3% of participants experienced a twofold improvement in performance over the 12 VR sessions (42% vs. 80% accuracy in successful hits). The distribution of results also suggests a positive subjective impact of VR therapy in maintaining mental activity. <b>Conclusions</b>: The findings indicate that VR-related training can support elderly individuals in recovering cognitive function, potentially enhancing their independence and life quality.
Authors
- Dorota Borzucka (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7402-4457)
- Edyta Majorczyk (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7248-9544)
- Żaneta Grzywacz (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6278-6924)
- Justyna Jaśniewicz
- Anna Koziarska
Institutions
- Opole University of Technology (PL)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Journal of Clinical Medicine
- Published
- 2025-07-01
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14134651
- Citations
- 2
- Primary Topic
- Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 2.05
Funders
- Politechnika Opolska