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

Individual participant data (IPD) will not be shared due to privacy considerations and the small sample size of older adult participants. Additionally, data sharing was not included in the original study protocol or informed consent process. Therefore, public sharing of IPD is not permitted under the current ethical approval.

No masking was used in this study. Due to the nature of the intervention (visible augmented reality equipment), participants, investigators, and outcome assessors were aware of group assignments.