樱花影视

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Faculty of Graduate Studies

Natasha Tat

  • BASc (University of Guelph, 2024)
Notice of the Final Oral Examination for the Degree of Master of Science

Topic

Virtual Reality for Healthy Aging: Assessing the Feasibility of a Community-Delivered Virtual Reality Intervention for Older Adults Experiencing Subjective Cognitive Decline

School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education

Date & location

  • Friday, November 28, 2025
  • 10:00 A.M.
  • McKinnon Building, Room 092

Examining Committee

Supervisory Committee

  • Dr. Sam Liu, School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, 樱花影视 (Supervisor)
  • Dr. Ryan Rhodes, School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, UVic (Member)
  • Dr. Theone Paterson, Department of Psychology, UVic (Outside Member)
  • Dr. Jonathan Rush, Department of Psychology, UVic (Outside Member)

External Examiner

  • Dr. Kurt Smith, School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, UVic

Chair of Oral Examination

  • Prof. Malcolm Gaston, School of Public Administration, UVic

Abstract

Background: Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is an early marker of cognitive decline, yet effective community-based prevention strategies remain limited. Cognitive training (CT) has the potential to support cognitive health among older adults with SCD. Virtual reality (VR) offers an engaging and interactive platform that may enhance motivation and adherence compared to traditional CT programs. However, most VR studies are conducted in laboratory settings, and little is known about its feasibility and acceptability in community contexts. Therefore, this feasibility study examined how virtual reality cognitive training (VRCT) can be used in a community setting to support older adults with SCD.

Objectives: The aims of this study were to (i) assess the feasibility (recruitment, retention, adherence, adverse events) and acceptability of a community-delivered VRCT program for older adults with SCD; and (ii) examine the preliminary efficacy of the VRCT program on cognitive and psychological outcomes. 

Methods: Older adults aged 55+ years who reported subjective cognitive complaints but had no objective cognitive impairment were recruited between April 1st-April 19th, 2025 in 樱花影视, BC. Participants completed an 8-week VRCT program comprised of six cognitive games delivered through Enhance VR, attending three group-based sessions per week. A mixed-methods, one-group pre–post design was employed, guided by phase IIb of the ORBIT model. Feasibility outcomes were evaluated against a priori “green-light” criteria. Cognitive outcomes (memory, working memory, information processing, executive function) and psychological outcomes (perceived deficits, psychological well-being, depression, anxiety) were assessed pre- and post-intervention using paired-sample t-tests and nonparametric alternatives. Weekly physical activity, social connection, and simulator sickness were assessed for changes using repeated-measures ANOVA and assessed using correlation analyses with outcomes. Semi-structured interviews explored implementation barriers and supports and were analyzed using the Framework Method. 

Results: All pre-specified feasibility thresholds were met or exceeded: recruitment (75%, 30/40), retention (90%, 27/30), adherence (96%, 26/27), adverse events (6%, 2/30), and acceptability (76%). Significant improvements were observed on the Color-Word Interference Test (CWIT) inhibition trial (t(26) = –2.91, p = .007, d = –0.56), inhibition/switching trial (z = –3.89, p < .001, r = –.76), and Trail Making Test-A (t(26) = –2.92, p = .007, d = –0.56). Perceived cognitive deficits also decreased significantly (t(26) = 2.26, p = .032, d = –0.44). No other cognitive or psychological measures showed significant changes. Physical activity, social connection, and simulator sickness were not significantly related to outcomes. Qualitative findings emphasized the benefits of group-based delivery and identified logistical considerations for implementation. 

Conclusions: Community-delivered VRCT was feasible, acceptable, and safe for older adults with SCD. Preliminary efficacy results were selective, suggesting that while VRCT may strengthen performance on tasks of executive functioning and processing speed, it produces limited changes in broader cognition or psychological well-being outcomes. Future research should integrate VRCT into multi-component interventions, employ standardized test batteries and objective physical activity monitoring, include control groups and longer follow-up, and continue evaluating organizational feasibility for sustainable implementation in community settings.

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