"Virtually Engaging Socially with Physical Activity" Archive

Virtual reality and physical activity study recruiting adults ages 60 and over

January 8, 2021

Virtually Engaging Socially with Physical Activity (VESPA) is now recruiting volunteers to join an at-home, social physical activity study! Wake Forest VESPA researchers are using multiple meeting platforms to determine if virtual reality is a viable method for people to meet and engage in physical activity.

During this free, four-week program, participants will interact with each other and a behavioral coach virtually, using either contemporary virtual reality technology or video conference software. All eligible participants will receive a tailored physical activity plan and will be permitted to keep the activity tracking watch used during the study. Group and individual meetings will be held multiple times per week during the course of the four-week program.

VESPA is designed for individuals who meet the following criteria:

• Age 60 or older
• Have a BMI of 30-45
• Do not regularly engage in physical activity
• Do not have a recent history of falls, colorblindness, dependence on a cane or walker, a recent history of coronary heart disease, cancer, liver or renal disease, severe pulmonary disease, gross physical impairment, untreated severe depression, photosensitive epilepsy or uncontrolled high blood pressure

To enroll or request more information, please contact Kyle Kershner at kerski19@wfu.edu or 336.758.3728.