The StayFitLonger Study: an Innovative Computerized Home-based Training to Foster Independent Life at Home

Summary

Multimodal training, including physical and cognitive activities, has been associated with a reduction in age-related physical and cognitive decline. Therefore, combining these activities into a home-based computerized training program may represent a powerful approach to foster independent life at home. The StayFitLonger study is a 6-month multi-site randomized controlled, double-blind trial, which tests the efficacy of a home-based computerized intervention that combines physical and cognitive exercises through virtual coaching to enhance motivation.

In Switzerland, Canada and Belgium, a total of 128 older participants will be recruited and randomly assigned to one of two physical and cognitive home-based interventions for 6 months: StayFitLonger or active control training. The StayFitLonger intervention provides physical and cognitive training exercises, feedback and instructions through a virtual coach to optimize motivation. It also offers social and psycho-educational contents. Monthly supervision (home-visits and phone calls) will be provided during this 6-month intervention. Outcomes will be measured at baseline, and after 6 months of training.

This study will demonstrate the feasibility, sustainability and efficacy of a home-based multi-domain intervention program allowing further development and possible commercialization of a scientifically validated training program to slow down cognitive and physical decline.

Conditions

• Cognitive Decline Prevention in Robust Older Adults
• Cognitive Decline Prevention in Pre-frail Older Adults
• Physical Decline Prevention in Robust Older Adults
• Physical Decline Prevention in Pre-frail Older Adults

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

SFL training

The SFL training program comprises: * Physical exercises: 50 video exercises to improve balance, muscle strength and physical capabilities in older adults; * Cognitive exercises: Four ludic activities targeting problem solving (4 Images/ 1 word), memory (Quiz and Recall me), speed processing and divided attention (Attention!). In addition, the SFL program includes a series of unique components: * Chat rooms: to share views about topics of interest and tips for common real-life problems; * Psycho-education content: to improve self-management and promoting cognitive transfer though 22 different topics (provide recommendations usually given in psychotherapy sessions); * Virtual coach: to guide participants along the proposed exercises by giving them instructions, reminding them regularly to practice a variety of available activities repeatedly, providing appropriate and timely feedback on participant's performances and rewarding assiduity, perseverance and performance.

BEHAVIORAL

Active controlled training

The active control training program is structured in the same manner as the SFL training program and will also offer different physical and cognitive activities: * Physical exercises: 12 different exercises trains upper and lower extremity strength, mobility and balance offered through a computerized version of a health insurance company physical training program; * Cognitive activities: Four commercially available leisure activities (Sudoku. Cross Words, Pac-Man and Countdown activities) that are appreciated by older adults but do not teach cognitive strategies and are were not designed to improve cognition per se. No chat room, psycho-educational content or virtual coach were included in the active control training program.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• HES-SO Valais-Wallis

  collaborator OTHER

• Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Geriatrie de Montreal

  collaborator OTHER

• Haute-Ecole Arc

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Mindmaze SA

  collaborator INDUSTRY

• Université Catholique de Louvain

  collaborator OTHER

• Active and Assisted Living Programme

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• BRUSANO

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Pro-Senectute Vaud

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• University of Lausanne Hospitals

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Jean-François Demonet, MD, PhD · Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois

• Sylvie Belleville, PhD · Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal - CIUSSS

• Stefan Agrigoroaei, PhD · Université Catholique de Louvain

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

60 Years

Max Age

100 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2019-01-11

Primary Completion

2021-07-01

Completion

2021-08-01

Countries

• Belgium
• Canada
• Switzerland

Study Locations