Exploring Virtual Reality Adventure Training Exergaming (V-RATE) on Veterans' Health Outcomes
The University of Texas at Arlington
Summary
The current project aims to design and implement an 8-week Virtual Reality Adventure Therapy Exergaming (V-RATE) intervention focused on women veterans. A randomized controlled trial using a repeated measure design with a 1-month follow-up assessment will be employed to examine effects on physical and mental health outcomes.
Description
The current project aims to design and implement an 8-week Virtual Reality Adventure Therapy Exergaming (V-RATE) intervention focused on veterans. A randomized controlled trial using a repeated measure design with a 1-month follow-up assessment will be employed. The project addresses two specific aims: Aim 1. To examine the effects of an 8-week V-RATE intervention on physical health (i.e., BMI, physical activity, sedentary behavior) among veterans. We hypothesize that after controlling for socio-demographic variables and physical activity history, individuals in the V-RATE group would exhibit…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–45 years
- Sex
- Female
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Are between the ages of 18 and 45 2. Identify as a U.S. military veteran 4\. Normal vision (no colorblindness) Exclusion Criteria: 1. Unable to walk independently (e.g., use of any mobility assistive device such as brace, wheelchair, cane, crutch, walker, knee scooter) 2. Self-reported joint problem that limits mobility (e.g., arthritis or other condition that would prevent participation) or ongoing orthopedic injury 3. Self-reported pregnancy or suspicion of pregnancy 4. Self-reported motor disorder or impaired sense of motion or balance (such as Parkinsonism) 5. Se…
Interventions
- DeviceVirtual Reality-based physical activity intervention
The V-RATE intervention will be delivered through a 360-degree non-mobilized treadmill in a university clinical laboratory for 6-8-weeks (1-2 days/week, 30 minutes/session) totaling 6 sessions. The V-RATE program will be focused on creating a safe and immersive environment supportive of physical activity. The treadmill enables an individual can walk and run at self-paced speed, moving in 360-degrees (i.e., forwards, sideways, and backwards) without risk of falling. The core feature of the self-paced treadmill is a concave walking platform with an adjustable waist hardness that enables a safe, smooth, natural gait while adults with elevated BMI engage in an immersive walking and running motion. During the V-RATE intervention, participants will self-pace their locomotor action (walking/running/bending/ jumping) while they wear the VR headset and experience immersive VR adventure games using the Omniverse VR system.
Location
- University of Texas at ArlingtonArlington, Texas