Usability and acceptance as facilitators of behavioral intention to use a mixed reality exercise program in older adults: A structural equation model

Abstract

Background

Staying active has been one of the mainstays in promoting health in older adults. Despite the potential of innovative health technologies for fitness, there is limited understanding of the factors influencing older adults’ behavioral intention to engage in mixed reality physical exercise.

Purpose

To develop a theoretical model of technology usability and acceptance influencing behavioral intention to use a mixed reality physical exercise program among older adults.

Design

A cross-sectional study was conducted to develop a virtual exercise coach in a mixed-reality environment. Older adults (n = 64) were purposively selected from a community senior center in the Philippines and participated in the exercise program. Their responses were analyzed using a partial least square approach to structural equation modeling.

Results

The generated measurement model demonstrated valid and reliable estimates. Its structural model (R² = 0.64) had a good fit (GoF = 0.56) with consistent quality indices. It also indicated that performance expectancy, facilitating conditions, and information quality are significant (p < 0.05) factors explaining behavioral intention to use the virtual coach system among older adults.

Conclusion

The belief in technology usefulness, trust, data quality, and the value of shared responsibility between the technology promoters and users significantly facilitates behavioral intention to use mixed reality virtual coach systems. The study results are valuable in developing technologies and improving older adult participation in technology-driven community health programs.