Within-Group Changes in Functional Capacity among Geriatrics before and after an Integrated Virtual Reality Physical Activity Programme in Nairobi, Kenya
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47604/jhmn.4013Keywords:
Virtual Reality (VR), Physical Activity Intervention, Functional Capacity, Geriatrics, Within-Group Changes, Healthy Aging, Quasi-Experimental DesignAbstract
Purpose: The global increase in the aging population has led to a rise in age-related functional decline, particularly in institutional care settings in low- and middle-income countries. While physical activity is a well-documented strategy for mitigating this decline, adherence to conventional exercise programs among older adults is often limited by physical discomfort, fear of falling, and unengaging designs. This study evaluated the within-group changes in functional capacity among geriatrics before and after an integrated Virtual Reality (VR) physical activity intervention programme in Nairobi, Kenya.
Methodology: A quasi-experimental design was adopted, involving 42 older adults (19 in a control group and 23 in an experimental group). The experimental group participated in a 12-week integrated VR physical activity programme using the Meta Quest 3 headset, while the control group continued with routine care. Participants were assessed at baseline, midline (6 weeks), and post-intervention (12 weeks) using functional capacity measures: handgrip strength, Five-Times Sit-to-Stand Test (5TSTS), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and De Morton Mobility Index (DEMMI). Data were analyzed using paired samples t-tests for normally distributed difference scores and Wilcoxon Signed-Rank tests for non-normally distributed difference scores. Statistical significance was determined at p < 0.05.
Findings: The findings revealed a stark contrast in within-group trajectories. The control group showed no statistically significant changes in any functional capacity measures over the 12 weeks (p-values ranging from .178 to .778). Conversely, the experimental group demonstrated highly significant improvements across all functional domains from baseline to midline and post-intervention (p < .001). The progressive improvement observed in the experimental group indicates a dose- and exposure-related pattern, where continued participation yielded accumulated functional gains.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study concludes that the integrated VR physical activity programme has a significant positive effect on functional capacity, whereas routine care alone is insufficient to induce measurable functional improvements.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Brian Luganu, Dr. Roselyn Odiango (PhD), Dr. Issah Kweyu (PhD)
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