Abstract

Frailty, characterized by decreased biological functional reserve and resistance to stressors, poses significant health risks for older adults. This study aimed to evaluate the usability of a virtual walking system in the metaverse for managing frailty in individuals aged 40 years. In total, 42 participants interacted with the system and completed the System Usability Scale (SUS) and a customized questionnaire based on the Technology Acceptance Model. The mean SUS score was 69.3±12.5, indicating moderate usability. Overall, the participants reported positive experiences, with particular appreciation for the ease of operating sensors and the immersive nature of the system. Areas for improvement included the timing of scent release and the output of sounds. The participants expressed diverse preferences for virtual environments, highlighting the importance of offering a variety of settings. The inclusion of olfactory and auditory stimuli was well received, enhancing immersion and enjoyment. These findings provide valuable insights for refining the system to fulfill user needs and expectations. Further research is warranted to assess the system’s effectiveness in improving physical activity levels and health outcomes in individuals with frailty.

Keywords:Frailty; Metaverse; System usability scale; Technology acceptance model; Usability study; Virtual walking systemn