The science behind SenopiVR
SenopiMed has been developed and tested with researchers and clinicians. It has been validated in a clinical study (n=130) and further studies are planned.
SenopiVR is driven by science and our products (SenopiMed and SenopiCare)
have been tested in multiple studies and workshops.
Below is some of the recent work we have done to improve our products.
Usability studies
Aug-21 to Apr-23
Several structured usability studies with 10-20 seniors.
Pilot study
Aug-23 to Dec-23
Pilot study with 10 high-functioning older adults, to explore SenopiMed for fall risk prevention.
Pilot test
2020
Pilot test with SenopiCare for healthy seniors and with memory disorders brought promising results.
Other studies
The beneficial effects of physical and cognitive exercise are well-established [PNAS 87: 5568-5572; JAMA 300: 1027-1037; Nature 373: 109].
More recent evidence suggests that the immersiveness of VR enhances the effectiveness of computerized tasks through increased physiological effects and cognitive performance [Scientific Reports 7: 1218; Virtual Reality 23:1-15].
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With regards to cognitive exercises, a meta-analysis of 17 controlled trials in older adults with Mild Cognitive Impairement (MCI), highlights positive effects on global cognition, attention, working memory, learning and memory. Even in dementia, VR training improved overall cognition and visuospatial skills [American Journal of Psychiatry 174: 329–340].
See below overview of some of the most relevant studies.
OA = Older adults, MCI = Mild Cognitive Impairment, SCD = Subjective Cognitive Decline
With regards to physical exercises, a meta-analysis of 18 controlled trials in healthy elders showed strong effects of VR training on balance and functional mobility [Sports Medicine 46: 1293-1309].
More recent evidence suggest:
a) that Immersive VR Experiences are beneficial for seniors with Cognitive and/or Physical Impairments [Frontiers in Medicine 6:329], as well as for healthy seniors in improving performance in health-related domains [Age and Ageing 43(2):188-195],
b) Virtual reality video games can improve high-fidelity memory in older adults
[Scientific Reports 11: 2552]
c) that virtual reality tasks can have high diagnostic sensitivity for Alzheimer’s [Alzheimers & Dementia 1: 521–532] and
d) that even simple immersive “virtual excursions” with 360-Degree Nature Videos can exert positive effects [Frontiers in Psychology 10:2667].
