Overview

• Boccia XR, an extended reality adaptation of the precision ball sport boccia, offers immersive rehabilitation for older adults in constrained spaces.
• A study published in PLOS One found both Boccia XR and traditional boccia significantly improved mood and vitality compared to treadmill walking.
• Participants exhibited heightened activation of the rectus femoris muscle during boccia-based exercises, suggesting targeted physical benefits.
• The XR format addresses spatial limitations by compressing the playing field into a virtual environment, making it suitable for clinical and residential settings.
• Researchers plan larger, longitudinal studies to evaluate sustained physical, cognitive, and emotional outcomes while refining the XR platform.