Immersive Group Dance in Virtual Reality for Perceived Social Cohesion in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This is a two-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the effects of an immersive virtual reality (VR)-based group dance program on perceived social cohesion among community-dwelling older adults, compared with a dose-matched conventional light physical activity program. A total of 180 eligible participants (men and women) will be randomized (1:1) to either the VR group dance condition or the control condition. Both interventions are delivered three times per week for five weeks (15 sessions total). The primary outcome is perceived social cohesion, measured using the Perceived Cohesion Scale (PCS) at baseline, post-intervention (week 5), and 30-day follow-up. Sex differences in response to the intervention will be examined as a secondary objective. This study has been approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee of Capital University of Physical Education and Sports (Approval No. IEC/CUPES/345KJB).

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Male or female, age 65 years or older, community-dwelling in Beijing. 2. Able to participate safely in light-to-moderate physical activity (cleared by self-report screening and/or center physician policy). 3. Able to follow verbal instructions and complete questionnaires. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Unstable cardiovascular, neurological, or musculoskeletal conditions contraindicating exercise participation. 2. Severe cognitive impairment preventing informed consent or protocol adherence. 3. Contraindications to immersive VR exposure, including history of seizures/epilepsy, severe vestibular disorders, or severe uncorrected visual impairment. 4. Any medical or safety condition judged by the study physician to pose undue risk.