Effect of the adapted Virtual Reality cognitive training program among Chinese older adults with chronic schizophrenia: a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the effect of the adapted virtual reality cognitive training program in older adults with chronic schizophrenia.


METHODS
Older adults with chronic schizophrenia were recruited from a long-stay care setting and were randomly assigned into intervention (n = 12) and control group (n = 15). The intervention group received 10-session of VR program that consisted of 2 VR activities using IREX. The control group attended the usual programs in the setting.


RESULTS
After the 10-session intervention, older adults with chronic schizophrenia preformed significantly better than control in overall cognitive function (p .000), and in two cognitive subscales: repetition (p .001) and memory (p .040). These participants engaged in the VR activities volitionally. No problem of cybersickness was observed.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of the current study indicate that engaging in the adapted virtual reality cognitive training program offers the potential for significant gains in cognitive function of the older adults with chronic schizophrenia.
Chan
Christopher L F
CL
The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Esther Lee Building, Shatin, Hong Kong. christopher@cuhk.edu.hk
Ngai
Elena K Y
EK
Leung
Paul K H
PK
Wong
Stephen
S
D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002681:China; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000628:therapy*; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods; D014584:User-Computer Interface