Abstract: 

Motivation is crucial for older adults’ adherence to physical therapy. Recent advancements in VR technology have expanded its applications in clinical practice, showing potential for enjoyable and engaging experiences that can support well-being and cultivate motivation. However, the implementation of novel findings remains challenging. This PhD project has explored the motivating capabilities of VR bike-based exergames for older adults, and the contextual circumstances of the implementation, through an interdisciplinary collaboration with two rehabilitation facilities in the Danish municipality of Frederiksberg. The findings indicate a high acceptance, enjoyment, and motivation among older adult inpatients and outpatients. However, therapists were more cautious or hesitant toward adoption. The older adults expressed a propensity towards social, collaborative experiences and indifference or aversion towards competition.This project has contributed to the interdisciplinary field of Virtual Rehabilitation by offering context-dependent insights into how technologymediated experiences, rooted in co-created designs, can instigate a positive impact on older adults’ psychological needs and motivation. 

Assessment Committee:

Associate professor Hendrik Knoche (chair), Department of Architecture, Design and Media Technology, Aalborg University.

Professor Judith Erica Deutsch, Department of Rehabilitation and Movement Science, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey, USA

Professor Hanne Konradsen, Copenhagen University Hospitals, Herlev and Gentofte

Supervisor:

Professor Stefania Serafin, Department of Architecture, Design and Media Technology, Aalborg University, Copenhagen Campus.

Co-Supervisor:

Jon Ram Bruun-Pedersen, Senior UX Researcher & Designer, Valuer.AI ApS (former Assistant professor Department of Architecture, Design and Media Technology, Aalborg University, Copenhagen Campus).

The supervisors are committee members in a non-voting capacity.

A reception will be arranged afterwards. The PhD thesis as a download, can be obtained from Emil Rosenlund Høeg by sending an email to erh@create.aau.dk