The Effects of Augmented Reality Treadmill Walking on Cognitive Function, Body Composition, Physiological Responses, and Acceptability in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
The Effects of Augmented Reality Treadmill Walking on Cognitive Function, Body Composition, Physiological Responses, and Acceptability in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This study evaluated the feasibility and health effects of using augmented reality (AR) treadmill walking in older adults. Sixty community-dwelling adults aged 65 to 80 years were randomly assigned to either an AR treadmill group or a traditional treadmill group. Both groups participated in supervised walking sessions three times per week for twelve weeks. The study examined changes in mobility, balance, body composition, physiological responses, and participants' perceptions of the AR technology.
This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of augmented reality (AR) treadmill walking on mobility-related motor function, body composition, physiological responses, and technology acceptance among older adults. A total of 60 community-dwelling adults aged 65 to 80 years were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (AR treadmill walking) or a control group (traditional treadmill walking).
Participants in both groups engaged in supervised walking sessions three times per week for twelve weeks. Each session lasted 60 minutes, including a 10-minute warm-up, 40-minute treadmill walking, and a 10-minute cool-down. The AR treadmill (JOHNSON 8.1T) provided immersive visual environments and real-time feedback on physiological data. The control group used a standard treadmill (CHANSON CS-6630) without AR features.
Primary outcome measures included stride length, gait speed, and balance. Secondary outcomes included skeletal muscle mass, body fat mass, body fat percentage, heart rate, calorie expenditure, walking distance, and technology acceptance assessed by a validated questionnaire.
Statistical analysis included repeated-measures ANOVA, independent t-tests, and Pearson correlation analysis to examine group differences and associations between physiological responses and technology acceptance.
Inclusion Criteria:
Community-dwelling adults aged 65 to 80 years
Able to walk independently without assistive devices
Cognitively intact and able to follow instructions
No prior use of augmented reality (AR) exercise programs within the past 3 months
Willing to participate in the study and provide informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
Diagnosed with chronic conditions that impair mobility (e.g., cardiovascular disease, severe arthritis)
Severe visual or auditory impairments that affect interaction with AR equipment
Neurological or psychiatric disorders that may interfere with participation
Known susceptibility to motion sickness or discomfort with virtual environments (AR-induced discomfort)
Inability to complete the 12-week training protocol or attend scheduled assessments