Computers in Human Behavior Reports · Aug 2026
Feasibility and acceptance of a virtual reality-based program for cognitive and physical training in older adults with cognitive complaints: A pilot randomized controlled trial
By Arlati S, Franchini F, Zangiacomi A et al.
Virtual Reality (VR)– based interventions have emerged as promising tools to support cognitive health in older adults; however, evidence on their clinical impact and real-world acceptability remains mixed. This study investigated the feasibility, acceptance, and preliminary effectiveness of a 12-week program using a VR system to provide cognitive stimulation (CS), physical exercise (PE), or their combination (CS+PE) to older adults with cognitive complaints. Eighty community-dwelling older adults with MCI or SCD were enrolled in the study and allocated via block-randomization to CS, PE, CS+PE, or a control group. Participants in the intervention arms trained twice weekly for 12 weeks within VR-based environments simulating everyday activities (supermarket tasks, street-crossings, and park cycling). Cognitive, functional, and emotional measures were collected at baseline, post-intervention, and four-month follow-up. Acceptance and user experience were assessed through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews at the end of the training. Results revealed that the cognitive status remained globally stable in all groups, even if CS and CS+PE showed positive trends in long-term verbal memory compared to controls, persisting at follow-up. PE alone did not result in any cognitive improvements. User experience was positive: participants valued ecological scenarios, clarity of interactions, and perceived cognitive challenge. Reported barriers included boredom, task length, and insufficient customization. While cognitive effects were limited, users perceived meaningful benefits in attention, daily functioning, and self-efficacy. Future work should include larger samples and possibly individuals with more severe cognitive impairment. Our results suggest focusing on customization and enhanced motivational features to promote higher participants’ engagement.