SPARK: Supporting Physical Activity Through Reality-Augmented Knowledge in COPD

Groupe Hospitalier du Havre42 enrolled

Overview

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with dyspnea, reduced physical activity, muscle deconditioning, and impaired quality of life. Pulmonary rehabilitation is an effective non-pharmacological intervention, but access remains limited and long-term adherence to physical exercise is often difficult to maintain. Augmented reality may provide an innovative approach to support exercise practice by offering real-time visual and auditory guidance while allowing patients to remain anchored in their real environment. The SPARK study is a multicenter, interventional, non-randomized, proof-of-concept study designed to assess the acceptability of an augmented reality virtual coach for physical exercise in adults with COPD. Participants will attend a single experimental session including baseline questionnaires, presentation of the augmented reality headset, a short immersive exercise session guided by a virtual coach, and post-immersion assessments. Acceptability will be evaluated using the Technology Acceptance Model 3 questionnaire before and after immersion. User experience will also be explored through focus group discussions analyzed according to UXive dimensions. The study aims to determine whether this technology is acceptable to patients with COPD and to identify factors that may facilitate or limit its future integration into pulmonary rehabilitation pathways.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Interventions

Augmented Reality Virtual CoachDEVICE

Participants will use an augmented reality headset delivering a virtual coach-guided exercise session. The intervention consists of a single approximately 20-minute immersive session performed in a secured environment. The virtual coach provides standardized instructions and corrective feedback during strengthening exercises. The session includes calf raises, sit-to-stand exercises, and stretching. The intervention is designed to assess the acceptability and user experience of an augmented reality-based exercise support tool in adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 18 years Diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) confirmed according to GOLD recommendations, defined by a post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio \< 0.70 No exacerbation during the previous month, defined as hospitalization or major therapeutic modification related to worsening respiratory symptoms Written informed consent obtained before any study-related procedure Affiliation to a social security system Exclusion Criteria: * COPD exacerbation during the previous month Major motor disorders, disabling osteoarticular conditions, or significant functional dependence preventing safe participation in physical exercises Insufficient cognitive or language abilities to understand instructions, complete questionnaires, or participate in the semi-structured interview Photosensitive epilepsy Uncorrected or atypical visual and/or hearing impairment Patient under legal guardianship, curatorship, or incarcerated Pregnant or breastfeeding woman

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Global Acceptability Score of the Augmented Reality Virtual Coach

Acceptability will be assessed using the global score of the adapted Technology Acceptance Model 3 questionnaire completed immediately after the augmented reality immersion session. Items are rated on a 7-point Likert scale, with higher scores indicating greater acceptability. The mean global score will be compared with the theoretical neutral value of 4.

Time frame: Immediately after the augmented reality immersion session, during the single study visit