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| Name | Class |
|---|---|
| University of Rome Tor Vergata | OTHER |
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The objective of the present study is to identify which psychological and motivational factors can help foster Virtual Reality (VR)-based interventions. Specifically, the main question is:
- Does the combination of VR-based interventions and motivational messages grounded in Self-Determination Theory (SDT) impact older adults' motivation for physical activity and their physiological indicators related to exercise? Older adults will participate to a 4 week intervention where they have ti engage in a physical activity program under different conditions: with and without VR, with and with out motivational messages.
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| Label | Type | Description | Intervention Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Experimental Group 1: VR-based intervention with motivational messages | Active Comparator | Participants will receive a VR-based physical exercise intervention featuring a virtual coach (an older adult peer) who provides both instructions and motivational messages based on Self-Determination Theory (SDT) during the session. |
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| Experimental Group 2: VR-based intervention without motivational messages | Active Comparator | Participants will receive a VR-based physical exercise intervention featuring a virtual coach (an older adult peer) who provides both instructions and informative messages during the session. |
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| Control Group 1: standard physical activity intervention with motivational messages | Active Comparator | Participants will take part in a standard physical activity intervention led by a real coach who provides both instructions and motivational messages based on SDT. |
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| Control Group 2: standard physical activity intervention without motivational messages | Active Comparator | Participants will take part in a standard physical activity intervention led by a real coach who provides both instructions and informative messages. |
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| Name | Type | Description | Arm Group Labels | Other Names |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VR-based physical activity with motivational stimuli | Behavioral | Participants will undergo four weekly supervised VR-based training sessions, each lasting approximately 35 minutes, over four weeks. Each session includes:
Participants received motivational messages from a virtual coach designed to enhance the three psychological needs outlined in Self-Determination Theory: competence, autonomy, and relatedness. |
| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Physical activity | The Godin-Shephard Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire. The GSLTPAQ comprises three items, each representing a different intensity of exercise: strenuous (e.g., running), moderate (e.g., fast walking), and mild (e.g., yoga). Participants report the number of times per week they engage in 20 minutes of strenuous, moderate, and mild exercise during their free time. To calculate the Leisure Score Index (LSI), the weekly duration of each activity type is multiplied by its respective Metabolic Equivalent Task (MET) value: 3 for mild, 5 for moderate, and 9 for strenuous. Larger values indicate higher levels of engagement in physical activity. | Week 1, day 1 (Exercise session 1). The measurement will take place after and before the exercise session. |
| Basic Psychological Needs | The Psychological Need Satisfaction in Exercise Scale (PNSE) was used to assess SDT basic psychological needs. The PNSE consists of 18 items, rated on a 6-point Likert scale (from 1 ="false" to 6 = "true"). Larger values indicate higher satisfaction of basic psychological needs. | Week 1, day 1 (Exercise session 1). The measurement will take place after and before the exercise session. |
| Motivation for physical activity | The Behavioural Regulations in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ-3) was use to assess motivation for physical activity as poised by the Self-Determination Theory. It consists of 18 items rated on a five-point Likert scale, ranging from 0 ("not true for me") to 4 ("very true for me"). | Week 1, day 1 (Exercise session 1). The measurement will take place after and before the exercise session. |
| General Physical Health | Physical health was assessed using the 12-Item Short Form Survey (SF-12), which comprises 12 items. Raw scores are transformed into T-scores, with higher scores indicating better physical health. | Week 1, day 1 (Exercise session 1). The measurement will take place after and before the exercise session. |
| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Well-being | The Subjective Vitality/Depletion Scale was use to assess well-being. This self-report questionnaire is composed of six items rated on a 7-point Likert scale (from 1 = "Not at all true" to 7 = "Very true"). Higher scores are indicative of higher well-being. | Week 1, day 1 (Exercise session 1). The measurement will take place after and before the exercise session. |
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Exclusion Criteria:
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| Name | Affiliation | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Fabio Lucidi | University of Roma La Sapienza | Principal Investigator |
| Facility | Status | City | State | ZIP | Country | Contacts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sapienza University of Rome | Rome | Italy | 00185 | Italy |
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A randomized controlled trial, including 60 older adults, were divided into four groups each involved in a 4 week intervention under 4 different conditions.
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| VR-based physical activity without motivational stimuli | Behavioral | Participants will undergo four weekly supervised VR-based training sessions, each lasting approximately 35 minutes, over four weeks. Each session includes:
In this condition, instead of motivational stimuli, participants received neutral information regarding the activity (e.g., "This exercise is good for your legs "). |
|
| Standard Physical Activity with motivational stimuli | Behavioral | Participants will engage in four individual training sessions, supervised by a trainer, scheduled once per week for a total duration of four weeks. Each session will last approximately 35 minutes and include: 5 minutes of warm-up and stretching, 10 minutes of aerobic and balance exercises (walking in place, heel raises, knee lifts, leg curls), 10 minutes of lower-body exercises (squats), and 10 minutes of upper-body exercises (shoulder abduction 180°, shoulder flexion 180°, shoulder external rotation 90°, bending 35°, trunk extensions 80°). Participants received motivational messages from a real coach designed to enhance the three psychological needs outlined in Self-Determination Theory: competence, autonomy, and relatedness. |
|
| Standard Physical Activity without motivational stimuli | Behavioral | Participants will engage in four individual training sessions, supervised by a trainer, scheduled once per week for a total duration of four weeks. Each session will last approximately 35 minutes and include: 5 minutes of warm-up and stretching, 10 minutes of aerobic and balance exercises (walking in place, heel raises, knee lifts, leg curls), 10 minutes of lower-body exercises (squats), and 10 minutes of upper-body exercises (shoulder abduction 180°, shoulder flexion 180°, shoulder external rotation 90°, bending 35°, trunk extensions 80°). In this condition, instead of motivational stimuli, participants received neutral information regarding the activity (e.g., "This exercise is good for your legs "). |
|
| General Mental Health | Mental health was assessed using the 12-Item Short Form Survey (SF-12), which comprises 12 items. Raw scores are transformed into T-scores, with higher scores indicating better mental health. | Week 1, day 1 (Exercise session 1). The measurement will take place after and before the exercise session. |
| Physiological measures of Physical Activity: Hearth rate variability | Hearth rate variability was measure through the smartwatch EMPATICA EmbracePlus. | Week 1, day 1 (Exercise session 1). The measurement will take place after and before the exercise session. |
| Physiological measures of Physical Activity: galvanic conductance | Galvanic conductance was measure through the smartwatch EMPATICA EmbracePlus. | Week 1, day 1 (Exercise session 1). The measurement will take place after and before the exercise session. |
| Physical activity | The Godin-Shephard Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire. The GSLTPAQ comprises three items, each representing a different intensity of exercise: strenuous (e.g., running), moderate (e.g., fast walking), and mild (e.g., yoga). Participants report the number of times per week they engage in 20 minutes of strenuous, moderate, and mild exercise during their free time. To calculate the Leisure Score Index (LSI), the weekly duration of each activity type is multiplied by its respective Metabolic Equivalent Task (MET) value: 3 for mild, 5 for moderate, and 9 for strenuous. Larger values indicate higher levels of engagement in physical activity. | Week 2, day 2 (Exercise session 2). The measurement will take place after and before the exercise session. |
| Basic Psychological Needs | The Psychological Need Satisfaction in Exercise Scale (PNSE) was used to assess SDT basic psychological needs. The PNSE consists of 18 items, rated on a 6-point Likert scale (from 1 ="false" to 6 = "true"). Larger values indicate higher satisfaction of basic psychological needs. | Week 2, day 2 (Exercise session 2). The measurement will take place after and before the exercise session. |
| Motivation for physical activity | The Behavioural Regulations in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ-3) was use to assess motivation for physical activity as poised by the Self-Determination Theory. It consists of 18 items rated on a five-point Likert scale, ranging from 0 ("not true for me") to 4 ("very true for me"). | Week 2, day 2 (Exercise session 2). The measurement will take place after and before the exercise session. |
| General Physical Health | Physical health was assessed using the 12-Item Short Form Survey (SF-12), which comprises 12 items. Raw scores are transformed into T-scores, with higher scores indicating better physical health. | Week 2, day 2 (Exercise session 2). The measurement will take place after and before the exercise session. |
| General Mental Health | Mental health was assessed using the 12-Item Short Form Survey (SF-12), which comprises 12 items. Raw scores are transformed into T-scores, with higher scores indicating better mental health. | Week 2, day 2 (Exercise session 2). The measurement will take place after and before the exercise session. |
| Physiological measures of Physical Activity: hearth rate variability | Hearth rate variability was measure through the smartwatch EMPATICA EmbracePlus. | Week 2, day 2 (Exercise session 2). The measurement will take place after and before the exercise session. |
| Physiological measures of Physical Activity: galvanic conductance | Galvanic conductance was measure through the smartwatch EMPATICA EmbracePlus. | Week 2, day 2 (Exercise session 2). The measurement will take place after and before the exercise session. |
| Physical activity | The Godin-Shephard Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire. The GSLTPAQ comprises three items, each representing a different intensity of exercise: strenuous (e.g., running), moderate (e.g., fast walking), and mild (e.g., yoga). Participants report the number of times per week they engage in 20 minutes of strenuous, moderate, and mild exercise during their free time. To calculate the Leisure Score Index (LSI), the weekly duration of each activity type is multiplied by its respective Metabolic Equivalent Task (MET) value: 3 for mild, 5 for moderate, and 9 for strenuous. Larger values indicate higher levels of engagement in physical activity. | Week 3, day 3 (Exercise session 3). The measurement will take place after and before the exercise session. |
| Basic Psychological Needs | The Psychological Need Satisfaction in Exercise Scale (PNSE) was used to assess SDT basic psychological needs. The PNSE consists of 18 items, rated on a 6-point Likert scale (from 1 ="false" to 6 = "true"). Larger values indicate higher satisfaction of basic psychological needs. | Week 3, day 3 (Exercise session 3). The measurement will take place after and before the exercise session. |
| Motivation for physical activity | The Behavioural Regulations in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ-3) was use to assess motivation for physical activity as poised by the Self-Determination Theory. It consists of 18 items rated on a five-point Likert scale, ranging from 0 ("not true for me") to 4 ("very true for me"). | Week 3, day 3 (Exercise session 3). The measurement will take place after and before the exercise session. |
| General Physical Health | Physical health was assessed using the 12-Item Short Form Survey (SF-12), which comprises 12 items. Raw scores are transformed into T-scores, with higher scores indicating better physical health. | Week 3, day 3 (Exercise session 3). The measurement will take place after and before the exercise session. |
| General Mental Health | Mental health was assessed using the 12-Item Short Form Survey (SF-12), which comprises 12 items. Raw scores are transformed into T-scores, with higher scores indicating better mental health. | Week 3, day 3 (Exercise session 3). The measurement will take place after and before the exercise session. |
| Physiological measures of Physical Activity: hearth rate variability | Hearth rate variability was measure through the smartwatch EMPATICA EmbracePlus. | Week 3, day 3 (Exercise session 3). The measurement will take place after and before the exercise session. |
| Physiological measures of Physical Activity: galvanic conductance | Galvanic conductance was measure through the smartwatch EMPATICA EmbracePlus. | Week 3, day 3 (Exercise session 3). The measurement will take place after and before the exercise session. |
| Physical activity | The Godin-Shephard Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire. The GSLTPAQ comprises three items, each representing a different intensity of exercise: strenuous (e.g., running), moderate (e.g., fast walking), and mild (e.g., yoga). Participants report the number of times per week they engage in 20 minutes of strenuous, moderate, and mild exercise during their free time. To calculate the Leisure Score Index (LSI), the weekly duration of each activity type is multiplied by its respective Metabolic Equivalent Task (MET) value: 3 for mild, 5 for moderate, and 9 for strenuous. Larger values indicate higher levels of engagement in physical activity. | Week 4, day 4 (Exercise session 4). The measurement will take place after and before the exercise session. |
| Basic Psychological Needs | The Psychological Need Satisfaction in Exercise Scale (PNSE) was used to assess SDT basic psychological needs. The PNSE consists of 18 items, rated on a 6-point Likert scale (from 1 ="false" to 6 = "true"). Larger values indicate higher satisfaction of basic psychological needs. | Week 4, day 4 (Exercise session 4). The measurement will take place after and before the exercise session. |
| Motivation for physical activity | The Behavioural Regulations in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ-3) was use to assess motivation for physical activity as poised by the Self-Determination Theory. It consists of 18 items rated on a five-point Likert scale, ranging from 0 ("not true for me") to 4 ("very true for me"). | Week 4, day 4 (Exercise session 4). The measurement will take place after and before the exercise session. |
| General Physical Health | Physical health was assessed using the 12-Item Short Form Survey (SF-12), which comprises 12 items. Raw scores are transformed into T-scores, with higher scores indicating better physical health. | Week 4, day 4 (Exercise session 4). The measurement will take place after and before the exercise session. |
| General Mental Health | Mental health was assessed using the 12-Item Short Form Survey (SF-12), which comprises 12 items. Raw scores are transformed into T-scores, with higher scores indicating better mental health. | Week 4, day 4 (Exercise session 4). The measurement will take place after and before the exercise session. |
| Physiological measures of Physical Activity: galvanic conductance | Galvanic conductance was measure through the smartwatch EMPATICA EmbracePlus. | Week 4, day 4 (Exercise session 4). The measurement will take place after and before the exercise session. |
| Physiological measures of Physical Activity: hearth rate variability | Hearth rate variability was measure through the smartwatch EMPATICA EmbracePlus. | Week 4, day 4 (Exercise session 4). The measurement will take place after and before the exercise session. |
| Self-Efficacy for exercise | The Self-Efficacy for Exercise Scale (SEE) is a self-report questionnaire composed of nine items for the assessment of self-efficacy for exercise, specifically designed for older adults. Each item is rated on an 11-point scale (from 0 = "Not confident" to 10 = "Very confident"). Scores ranges from a minimum of 0 to a maximum of 90. Larger values reflects higher degree of confidence that an elder has in engaging in exercise in the presence of specific barriers. | Week 1, day 1 (Exercise session 1). The measurement will take place after and before the exercise session. |
| Virtual reality experience: physical symptoms | Virtual Reality Symptoms Questionnaire. This self-report questionnaire comprises 13 items divided into two dimensions: physical symptoms (8 items) and eye-related symptoms (5 items). Each item is rated on a 7-point Likert scale (ranging from 0 = "none" to 6 = "severe"). Scores for physical symptoms range from 0 to 48. Higher scores indicate greater discomfort. | Week 1, day 1 (Exercise session 1). The measurement will take place after and before the exercise session. |
| Virtual reality experience: eye-related symptoms | Virtual Reality Symptoms Questionnaire. This self-report questionnaire comprises 13 items divided into two dimensions: physical symptoms (8 items) and eye-related symptoms (5 items). Each item is rated on a 7-point Likert scale (ranging from 0 = "none" to 6 = "severe"). Scores for eye-related symptoms range from 0 to 40. Higher scores indicate greater discomfort. | Week 1, day 1 (Exercise session 1). The measurement will take place after and before the exercise session. |
| Well-being | The Subjective Vitality/Depletion Scale was use to assess well-being. This self-report questionnaire is composed of six items rated on a 7-point Likert scale (from 1 = "Not at all true" to 7 = "Very true"). Higher scores are indicative of higher well-being. | Week 2, day 2 (Exercise session 2). The measurement will take place after and before the exercise session. |
| Self-Efficacy for exercise | The Self-Efficacy for Exercise Scale (SEE) is a self-report questionnaire composed of nine items for the assessment of self-efficacy for exercise, specifically designed for older adults. Each item is rated on an 11-point scale (from 0 = "Not confident" to 10 = "Very confident"). Scores ranges from a minimum of 0 to a maximum of 90. Larger values reflects higher degree of confidence that an elder has in engaging in exercise in the presence of specific barriers. | Week 2, day 2 (Exercise session 2). The measurement will take place after and before the exercise session. |
| Virtual reality experience: physical symptoms | Virtual Reality Symptoms Questionnaire. This self-report questionnaire comprises 13 items divided into two dimensions: physical symptoms (8 items) and eye-related symptoms (5 items). Each item is rated on a 7-point Likert scale (ranging from 0 = "none" to 6 = "severe"). Scores for physical symptoms range from 0 to 48. Higher scores indicate greater discomfort. | Week 2, day 2 (Exercise session 2). The measurement will take place after and before the exercise session. |
| Virtual reality experience: eye-related symptoms | Virtual Reality Symptoms Questionnaire. This self-report questionnaire comprises 13 items divided into two dimensions: physical symptoms (8 items) and eye-related symptoms (5 items). Each item is rated on a 7-point Likert scale (ranging from 0 = "none" to 6 = "severe"). Scores for eye-related symptoms range from 0 to 40. Higher scores indicate greater discomfort. | Week 2, day 2 (Exercise session 2). The measurement will take place after and before the exercise session. |
| Well-being | The Subjective Vitality/Depletion Scale was use to assess well-being. This self-report questionnaire is composed of six items rated on a 7-point Likert scale (from 1 = "Not at all true" to 7 = "Very true"). Higher scores are indicative of higher well-being. | Week 3, day 3 (Exercise session 3). The measurement will take place after and before the exercise session. |
| Self-Efficacy for exercise | The Self-Efficacy for Exercise Scale (SEE) is a self-report questionnaire composed of nine items for the assessment of self-efficacy for exercise, specifically designed for older adults. Each item is rated on an 11-point scale (from 0 = "Not confident" to 10 = "Very confident"). Scores ranges from a minimum of 0 to a maximum of 90. Larger values reflects higher degree of confidence that an elder has in engaging in exercise in the presence of specific barriers. | Week 3, day 3 (Exercise session 3). The measurement will take place after and before the exercise session. |
| Virtual reality experience: physical symptoms | Virtual Reality Symptoms Questionnaire. This self-report questionnaire comprises 13 items divided into two dimensions: physical symptoms (8 items) and eye-related symptoms (5 items). Each item is rated on a 7-point Likert scale (ranging from 0 = "none" to 6 = "severe"). Scores for physical symptoms range from 0 to 48. Higher scores indicate greater discomfort. | Week 3, day 3 (Exercise session 3). The measurement will take place after and before the exercise session. |
| Virtual reality experience: eye-related symptoms | Virtual Reality Symptoms Questionnaire. This self-report questionnaire comprises 13 items divided into two dimensions: physical symptoms (8 items) and eye-related symptoms (5 items). Each item is rated on a 7-point Likert scale (ranging from 0 = "none" to 6 = "severe"). Scores for eye-related symptoms range from 0 to 40. Higher scores indicate greater discomfort. | Week 3, day 3 (Exercise session 3). The measurement will take place after and before the exercise session. |
| Well-being | The Subjective Vitality/Depletion Scale was use to assess well-being. This self-report questionnaire is composed of six items rated on a 7-point Likert scale (from 1 = "Not at all true" to 7 = "Very true"). Higher scores are indicative of higher well-being. | Week 4, day 4 (Exercise session 4). The measurement will take place after and before the exercise session. |
| Self-Efficacy for exercise | The Self-Efficacy for Exercise Scale (SEE) is a self-report questionnaire composed of nine items for the assessment of self-efficacy for exercise, specifically designed for older adults. Each item is rated on an 11-point scale (from 0 = "Not confident" to 10 = "Very confident"). Scores ranges from a minimum of 0 to a maximum of 90. Larger values reflects higher degree of confidence that an elder has in engaging in exercise in the presence of specific barriers. | Week 4, day 4 (Exercise session 4). The measurement will take place after and before the exercise session. |
| Virtual reality experience: physical symptoms | Virtual Reality Symptoms Questionnaire. This self-report questionnaire comprises 13 items divided into two dimensions: physical symptoms (8 items) and eye-related symptoms (5 items). Each item is rated on a 7-point Likert scale (ranging from 0 = "none" to 6 = "severe"). Scores for physical symptoms range from 0 to 48. Higher scores indicate greater discomfort. | Week 4, day 4 (Exercise session 4). The measurement will take place after and before the exercise session. |
| Virtual reality experience: eye-related symptoms | Virtual Reality Symptoms Questionnaire. This self-report questionnaire comprises 13 items divided into two dimensions: physical symptoms (8 items) and eye-related symptoms (5 items). Each item is rated on a 7-point Likert scale (ranging from 0 = "none" to 6 = "severe"). Scores for eye-related symptoms range from 0 to 40. Higher scores indicate greater discomfort. | Week 4, day 4 (Exercise session 4). The measurement will take place after and before the exercise session. |
| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D009043 | Motor Activity |
| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D001519 | Behavior |
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