Exergaming delivery of a balance and fall prevention program for older adults: A feasibility study. (December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ren, Ivy; Rozanski, Gabriela; Fernandez, Naiara; Zabala, Amaia; Ramos, Amaia; Arrinda, Ismene; Tabacof, Laura; Putrino, David
• Is Part Of: Digital health. Volume 8(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-12
• Subjects: Older adults -- exergaming -- balance -- fall prevention -- rehabilitation -- e-Health; Medical care -- Data processing -- Periodicals; Medical informatics -- Periodicals; 362.10285
• DOI: 10.1177/20552076221144105
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2055-2076

Abstract

Objective: Older adults are at high risk of falls and this problem calls for efficient and scalable interventions. This study investigated whether a motion capture system paired with balance training exergaming software is a feasible strategy to deliver therapeutic exercise to older adults in an aged care facility. Methods: This study analyzed data from a quality improvement rehabilitation initiative. Two convenience samples of older adults were included: a usual care group ( n = 12), admitted to a rehabilitation hospital and receiving standard in-patient therapy 5×/week and the Evolv group ( n = 12), admitted to an aged care facility, prescribed exergaming 3×/week. All participants performed 30-minute exercise sessions based on a fall prevention program over 3 months. The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment test were administered pre- and post-treatment. Results: No adverse events were recorded during the interventions. Mean SPPB increase for Evolv participants was 2.25 ± 1.35 ( p < .001, CI for mean = 1.39 to 3.11, d = 1.66), compared with a non-significant change in the usual care group (mean increase = 2.25 ± 3.82, p = .066, CI for mean = −0.18 to 4.68, d = 0.59). Tinetti improvement was significant for the individuals receiving usual care (3.83 ± 2.82, p = .012, CI for mean = 1.01 to 6.66, d = 0.86) but there were no significant between-group differences in outcomes. Conclusions: Exergaming with the Evolv system for balance and strength training may be a feasible strategy to improve physical function for older adults recovering in an aged care facility.