Exergame Study for Family Caregivers

Social Exergame Intervention to Promote Physical Activity, Social Support, And Well-Being in Family Caregivers

The goal of this study is to examine Go&Grow as a social exergame intervention to increase physical activity and social support, to promote well-being in family caregivers, and to test social support and physical activity as mechanisms for the effects of the intervention.

The study is a 2-week baseline and 6-week intervention aimed at comparing the feasibility and efficacy of an exergame (Go&Grow without social contact components) and a social exergame (full version of Go&Grow) in promoting physical activity, social support, and well-being in family caregivers. The study also seeks to test social support and physical activity as mechanisms for the relationships between condition (exergame non-social vs social exergame) and wellbeing. Participants will be randomly assigned using a random assignment generator to either the control condition (exergame non-social) or the treatment condition (social exergame) on a rolling basis. Participants from both conditions will be reminded daily via app-based notifications during the intervention period to wear their Fitbit and to play the game.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Participants who are caregivers for a family member (e.g., relative, spouse, friend) who is 65 years or older and is either frail, has a disability, or has at least one chronic illness
• 40 years or older
• Own an Android smartphone with Google play store/internet access
• Able to walk for at least 20 minutes at a time
• Comfortable wearing a fitness tracker for the duration of the study
• Familiar with smartphone app usages
• Comfortable with using the study-related app for the duration of the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Had a recent (within the past 6 months) cardiovascular event or fall.
• Currently participating in any other physical activity study/intervention
• Currently own or use a Fitbit or other activity tracking watches
• Knows someone who is participating or has participated in the study
• Currently physically active (exercise regularly 3 times a week or more for at least 30 minutes)
• More than 2 errors on the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (Pfeiffer, 1975).