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Peer-reviewedCC BYInternational journal of qualitative studies on health and well-being

Perceived benefits and challenges of the use of immersive virtual reality Tai Chi by older Chinese and Korean immigrants.

  • Yongseop Kim1
  • Junhyoung Kim2
  1. 1Department of Occupational and Recreational Therapies, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
  2. 2Department of Health Behavior, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
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Abstract

Background

Older Asian immigrants encounter challenges that limit access to healthcare services and experience physical inactivity that can exacerbate psychological distress. Virtual reality offers a promising technology for delivering mindfulness and physical activity interventions that promote body awareness and physical fitness.Objective

The goal of this study was to explore the perceived benefits, challenges, and cultural relevance of IVTC program use by older Chinese and Korean immigrants.Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 participants following their participation in a four-week IVTC intervention. Data were analyzed using comparative thematic analysis, and data trustworthiness was ensured through member checking and reflexive processes.Results

Reported health benefits were grouped into four main subthemes: (1) enhanced physical functioning and balance, (2) cognitive stimulation, (3) mental and emotional wellbeing, and (4) convenience accessibility. Reported challenges were grouped into three subthemes, including: (1) balance and coordination difficulties, (2) physical discomfort from headsets, and (3) the need for extended VR technology use instruction. Participants also discussed the cultural relevance of Tai Chi and their openness to integrating VR into their daily routine.Conclusion

The findings of this study highlight the potential feasibility and acceptability of IVTC use for enhancing the health and engagement of older Asian immigrants.

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Cite

BibTeXRIS
BibTeX
@article{kim2026perceived,
  title = {{Perceived benefits and challenges of the use of immersive virtual reality Tai Chi by older Chinese and Korean immigrants.}},
  author = {Yongseop Kim and Junhyoung Kim},
  journal = {International journal of qualitative studies on health and well-being},
  year = {2026},
  month = oct,
  doi = {10.1080/17482631.2026.2732302},
  url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42949708},
  note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY  - JOUR
TI  - Perceived benefits and challenges of the use of immersive virtual reality Tai Chi by older Chinese and Korean immigrants.
AU  - Yongseop Kim
AU  - Junhyoung Kim
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/10/28
JO  - International journal of qualitative studies on health and well-being
DO  - 10.1080/17482631.2026.2732302
UR  - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42949708
AB  - Background  Older Asian immigrants encounter challenges that limit access to healthcare services and experience physical inactivity that can exacerbate psychological distress. Virtual reality offers a promising technology for delivering mindfulness and physical activity interventions that promote body awareness and physical fitness.Objective  The goal of this study was to explore the perceived benefits, challenges, and cultural relevance of IVTC program use by older Chinese and Korean immigrants.Methods  Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 participants following their participation in a four-week IVTC intervention. Data were analyzed using comparative thematic analysis, and data trustworthiness was ensured through member checking and reflexive processes.Results  Reported health benefits were grouped into four main subthemes: (1) enhanced physical functioning and balance, (2) cognitive stimulation, (3) mental and emotional wellbeing, and (4) convenience accessibility. Reported challenges were grouped into three subthemes, including: (1) balance and coordination difficulties, (2) physical discomfort from headsets, and (3) the need for extended VR technology use instruction. Participants also discussed the cultural relevance of Tai Chi and their openness to integrating VR into their daily routine.Conclusion  The findings of this study highlight the potential feasibility and acceptability of IVTC use for enhancing the health and engagement of older Asian immigrants.
SN  - 1748-2623
SN  - 1748-2631
ER  -