Abstract A108: Movement Over Virtual Reality (MOVR)-Latinx: Exploring the Acceptability and Feasibility of a Novel Virtual Reality Latin Dance Intervention among Latinos/as to Promote Physical Activity
Authors: Acosta Desiree R. , Torres Vanessa N , Perez Gael , Cruz Jailene , Gutierrez Liana , Castellon Josyel , Monteon-Garcia Paulina , Castellon-Lopez Yelba 
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Physical inactivity is a significant public health concern contributing to numerous chronic diseases including cancer. Latina/o/x adults have higher rates of sedentary behavior compared to other racial/ethnic groups in the United States. Despite evidence supporting the efficacy and growing adoption of VR exercise programs, little is known about the role they play in the Latina/o/x community. The purpose of this study is to assess the acceptability and feasibility of a culturally tailored Latin dance inspired Virtual Reality (VR) intervention to promote physical activity and reduce cancer risk factors among Latina/o/x adults in Los Angeles. Methods: We used a community based participatory research approach to conduct two focus groups (n = 24) with diverse participants who self-identified as Latina/o/x and had not previously participated in a VR activity to explore acceptability and feasibility of a future culturally tailored VR study to promote physical activity in the Latina/o/x community. Participants were paired with culturally and language congruent student guides who provided 1:1 instruction and a 30-minute introductory session. The VR session was followed by in-person focus groups and baseline surveys that included demographic questions. Participants received a $100 gift card for their participation. Results: All participants were Spanish-speaking (n = 23, 95%) Latinos born outside the U.S. and the majority were Mexican (n = 9; 37.5%), the average age was 45 (range = 26 - 71), more than half had a high school education or higher (n = 13; 54.2%), and many were married or living with a partner (n = 15; 62.5%). Preliminary themes included: VR to promote intergenerational connections, the use or VR to overcome physical or environmental barriers, acceptability of VR as a therapeutic intervention, stress reduction via VR engagement, and the need for cultural tailoring to promote VR engagement. Conclusion: The majority of our sample of Latina/o/x participants reported VR as an acceptable means to engage in physical activity. Exploring ways to engage diverse racial and ethnic groups in research through community based participatory research and leveraging technology to build culturally informed interventions is an innovate approach to address cancer disparities. The information gained from this study will provide valuable insights into the acceptability and feasibility of a future randomized controlled trial.

Citation Format: Desiree R. Acosta, Vanessa N Torres, Gael Perez, Jailene Cruz, Liana Gutierrez, Josyel Castellon, Paulina Monteon-Garcia, Yelba Castellon-Lopez. Movement Over Virtual Reality (MOVR)-Latinx: Exploring the Acceptability and Feasibility of a Novel Virtual Reality Latin Dance Intervention among Latinos/as to Promote Physical Activity [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr A108.