Mixed-Reality Exercise Effects on Participation of Individuals with Spinal Cord Injuries and Developmental Disabilities: A Pilot Study

This study explores how mixed reality (MR) environments can improve engagement and enjoyment in exercise for people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) and intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Participants exercised in a simulated environment of a scenic biking/walking trail. The study found that participants reported higher levels of engagement, enjoyment, and immersion when using the MR exercise environment. The positive feedback from participants suggests that MR could be a motivating and engaging tool for individuals with disabilities, paving the way for further development of this technology in rehabilitation.

• 1
  All participants reported increased levels of engagement, enjoyment, and immersion while using the MR exercise environment.
• 2
  All participants gave positive feedback and recommended the MR exercise approach to peers with similar disabilities.
• 3
  Most participants indicated a higher level of enjoyment and immersion in the augmented reality exercise environment compared to exercise without it.