District receives city grant for VR program ‘Pedaling the Planet’

Three people wearing VR headsets and holding controllers, using seated exercise machines in a room. — ***VR cycling promotes motivation and brings a gamified experience to one's workout routine, which can encourage consistency and make exercise feel more enjoyable and accessible.***

Camarillo Health Care District will help local older adults, age 62 and up, some of whom may have limited mobility, go on virtual adventures while getting exercise thanks in part to a community development block grant from the city of Camarillo.

The city awarded a CDBG contract to the District for fiscal year 2025-26 to help cover the cost, making it free to participants identified through community outreach.

The program, called “CardioFit – Pedaling the Planet – Virtual Reality Meets Cycling,” is a new twist on the District’s award-winning “Adventures in VR” classes. Since Fall 2022, the District has facilitated approximately 700 individual VR experiences for people ranging in age from 22 to 101. “Pedaling the Planet” has a goal of bringing VR to at least 130 more older adults – some of whom may be at risk for social isolation, loss of physical strength and mobility, or depression.

VR offers participants a full sense of “being there” through immersive headsets and software applications and utilizes computer technology that creates a simulated environment. Pedaling the Planet participants will enter a virtual environment where they will cycle to such places as Pine Valley with its lush, green forest; Yellow Rock’s field of boulders and beautiful backdrop; a trail featuring a lighthouse at sunset and Infinite Boardwalk with ocean views for miles.

This innovative approach of combining VR with exercise using desk cycles has been shown to increase engagement and add a touch of playfulness to fitness programs, while also positively impacting participants’ physical, cognitive and emotional wellbeing.

According to the National Institute of Health, studies show that physical activity among older adults reduces the risk of numerous diseases and chronic conditions, delays the onset of dementia and improves overall health. Participants of this program may boost brain health, increase self-esteem and strengthen their sense of holistic purpose if they participate regularly, according to the makers of the system.

VR cycling promotes motivation and brings a gamified experience to one's workout routine, which can encourage consistency and make exercise feel more enjoyable and accessible.

“Virtual Reality cycling offers a safe, engaging and adaptable workout experience that benefits both the physical and mental well-being of participants,” said Blair Barker, the District’s CEO. “This low-impact exercise is customizable to accommodate various fitness and mobility levels.”

Three people seated with VR headsets, using controllers. A tablet shows a virtual landscape. — **This innovative approach of combining VR with exercise using desk cycles has been shown to increase engagement and add a touch of playfulness to fitness programs.**

In addition to incorporating fitness, fun and improving digital literacy, Pedaling the Planet aims to improve quality of life and sense of well-being by reducing loneliness, addressing depression, and reducing barriers to socialization through common experiences. Participants talk about how the experience impacted them individually while in a group setting. The aim is to improve mood, increase socialization as well as increase a sense of comradery among participants.

There are a variety of classes scheduled, on different days and times (see schedule below).

As fun as it is, VR is being widely used in some uncommon ways. According to the study “Impact of Virtual Reality Experience on Older Adults’ Well Being” published by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Design and Management and MIT AgeLab, “VR is believed to be beneficial to older adults due to its immersive interaction capabilities.”

With Pedaling the Planet, participants experience various games in a virtual setting while getting the benefits of moving their bodies and working their cardiovascular system. Further, because it’s with three other participants, they not only enjoy low-impact cycling movements but also get to socialize and enjoy different virtual reality experiences with friends.

The program includes hand-eye coordination tasks, physical exercise, cognitive drills and socialization. In the first half of the class, pop balloons that appear in front of you as you make your way down different trails improving your hand-eye coordination and cognitive skills through color and pattern matching tasks.

According to the maker of the system, one study found that use of the seated cycles, combined with the VR activities, resulted in a 48% decrease in fall worry and a 9% increase in movement speed. The social engagement element of this new program is also beneficial. Studies also show that loneliness and social isolation are associated with higher risks for health problems such as heart disease, depression, and cognitive decline in older adults.

To register for this free class, call 805-388-1952.