Acceptability of Cycling With Virtual Reality Among Older Adults Living Independently in a Retirement Village: An Observational Study

Background: Improving physical activity and sedentary behaviors can maintain and improve cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and psychosocial function for older adults (≥65 years) but finding acceptable, enjoyable, and safe strategies to achieve this is challenging. The immersive BikeAround technology—which integrates stationary cycling with Google Earth Street View—may be an effective strategy as it enhances acute exercise enjoyment and motivation, but treatment effects, safety, and engagement during prolonged use in free-living environments remain unknown. We evaluated the acceptability of BikeAround among older adults in a retirement village and assessed its preliminary effects on physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness, blood pressure, cognitive function, perceived exertion, and balance, and mobility. Methods: We conducted a single-arm BikeAround acceptability study among older adults living independently in a retirement village. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed to evaluate acceptability and treatment effects on physical activity, and health outcomes, respectively. Results: Among 20 older adults, BikeAround was acceptable. More than half of the participants showed their intention to use BikeAround again. Statistically significant improvements were observed in the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test score (Wilcoxon test statistic = 210 and p < .01). There was a positive trend in physical activity participation, but none of the physical activity and sedentary behavior measures showed a statistically significant difference. Conclusion: BikeAround was acceptable to older people for promoting physical activity in a retirement village, which could have a significant role in their health and well-being.