Perceived benefits and challenges of the use of immersive virtual reality Tai Chi by older Chinese and Korean immigrants.

Participants reported enhanced physical functioning and balance as a perceived benefit of the IVTC program.

• Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 older Chinese and Korean immigrants after a four-week IVTC intervention.
• Enhanced physical functioning and balance was one of four health-benefit subthemes identified through comparative thematic analysis.
• These are self-reported perceptions from qualitative interviews, not measured outcomes.

Participants described cognitive stimulation as a perceived benefit of IVTC use.

• Cognitive stimulation was one of four benefit subthemes.
• Data came from post-intervention semi-structured interviews with 19 participants.

Participants reported mental and emotional wellbeing benefits from IVTC.

• Mental and emotional wellbeing was one of four benefit subthemes.
• The study was motivated by the concern that physical inactivity can exacerbate psychological distress in older Asian immigrants.

Participants perceived convenience and accessibility as a benefit of delivering Tai Chi via immersive VR.

• Convenience accessibility was the fourth benefit subtheme.
• The study frames this against challenges older Asian immigrants face in accessing healthcare services.

Participants reported balance and coordination difficulties when using the IVTC program.

• Balance and coordination difficulties was one of three challenge subthemes.
• Identified through comparative thematic analysis of interviews with 19 participants.

Participants reported physical discomfort from VR headsets.

• Physical discomfort from headsets was one of three challenge subthemes.

Participants identified a need for extended instruction in using VR technology.

• The need for extended VR technology use instruction was the third challenge subtheme.

Participants discussed the cultural relevance of Tai Chi and expressed openness to integrating VR into their daily routine.

• Cultural relevance was an explicit aim of the study alongside benefits and challenges.
• Participants were older Chinese and Korean immigrants.

The findings suggest IVTC has potential feasibility and acceptability for enhancing health and engagement of older Asian immigrants.

• Data trustworthiness was ensured through member checking and reflexive processes.
• Analysis used comparative thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews following a four-week intervention (n=19).