Researchers have developed an extended reality version of Boccia – a precision ball sport – as a rehabilitation programme, showing how the game that requires accuracy and strategy can aid motor and cognitive skills.
A team of researchers have developed Boccia XR – an extended reality of the precision ball sport – to evaluate the enjoyment and lower limb muscle activity, comparing it with traditional Boccia and treadmill walking.
The authors noted that Boccia is a recreational sport with rehabilitation potential, but requires substantial space. with this in mind, the team designed Boccia XR so that it can be introduced to environments with limited space.
A total 18 healthy older adults with a mean age of 73 years participated in the study, and each performed Boccia XR, traditional Boccia, and treadmill walking in random order.
Mood changes were assessed using the Profile of Mood States 2nd Edition (POMS2), and lower-limb muscle activity was measured via electromyography (EMG).
Both Boccia XR and traditional Boccia significantly improved positive mood (Vigor-Activity) and reduced negative mood (Total Mood Disturbance) as compared to treadmill walking.
Muscle activity analysis revealed that Boccia XR and traditional Boccia imposed muscle loads comparable to treadmill walking. Rectus femoris activity exceeded that of treadmill walking, and medial gastrocnemius activation was sufficient for strengthening in sedentary older adults during Boccia tasks.
The researchers investigated changes in mood among participants over 65 before and after experiencing Boccia XR, traditional boccia, and treadmill walking, as well as lower limb muscle activity during exercise.
Participants reported better moods, vitality, and energy after experiencing both Boccia XR and traditional boccia.
The authors wrote: “Boccia XR is an enjoyable and effective physical activity for older adults, requiring less space, than traditional Boccia while providing physical benefits similar to treadmill walking. It may enhance exercise adherence and overall function in space-limited settings.”
There was no significant difference in lower limb muscle activity during any of the programs, though muscle activity of the rectus femoris, which helps extend the knee, increased during both types of boccia compared to the treadmill.
“Boccia XR could be effective as a rehabilitation exercise for older adults in terms of both physical and emotional effects, and since it does not require a large court, it is practical for indoor environments such as hospitals and nursing care facilities,” stated Professor Kataoka.
“Since this research was designed to verify immediate effects, we plan to conduct further studies to investigate long-term results in a larger population of older adults and to continue updating Boccia XR.”
