The Effectiveness of Exergaming for Older People Mobility and Balance

Summary

The mobility problems of older people are often related to the decrease of functional capacity and health \[1\], weakened physical condition, attitude to life and fear of falling \[2\]. Relatively little research has been done on the possibilities and effectiveness of exergaming on the mobility of old people. Interventions that include exergaming have been found to motivate and increase commitment to rehabilitation \[3\], to improve mobility, balance \[4\], performance in daily activities and independence \[5\].

The aim of randomized intervention trial is to find out the effect of physical exercises performed on the technological device (YetiHome®) on identified preclinical movement problems during a 2-month follow-up period. The goal is to produce information about the effectiveness of gamified physical exercises in preventing movement problems and supporting older people living at home.

This study investigates the effectiveness of the YetiHome in improving the physical functioning of older people. YetiHome is an assistive technology device developed for special groups. YetiHome is a small interactive touchscreen tablet with 27" screen and with Android operating system and it includes numerous applications. Added exergaming solution for the balance training. There is no previous scientific research on the effectiveness of the YetiHome on the mobility problems and activity of the community-dwelling older people living independently at home.

The aim of randomized intervention trial is to find out the effect of physical exercises performed on the technological device (YetiHome®) on identified preclinical movement problems during a 2-month follow-up period. The goal is to produce information about the effectiveness of gamified physical exercises in preventing movement problems and supporting older people living at home.

This study investigates the effectiveness of the YetiHome in improving the physical functioning of older people. YetiHome is an assistive technology device developed for special groups. YetiHome is a small interactive touchscreen tablet with 27" screen and with Android operating system and it includes numerous applications. Added exergaming solution for the balance training. There is no previous scientific research on the effectiveness of the YetiHome on the mobility problems and activity of the community-dwelling older people living independently at home.

Conditions

• Mobility Limitation

Interventions

OTHER

Exercise

Traditional home exercise including balance and muscle strength training 15 minutes at the time and three times over the week. In addition, game-based exercises 15 minutes at the time and three times over the week.

OTHER

Exercise as usual

Traditional home exercise including balance and muscle strength training 15 minutes at the time and three times over the week without exergaming.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Oulu

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Satu Elo Elo, PhD, Adjunct professor, Principal lecturer · University of Oulu

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

OTHER

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

75 Years

Max Age

75 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2024-11-27

Primary Completion

2024-12-20

Completion

2025-02-28

Countries

• Finland

Study Locations