Developing and Assessing an Innovative Exergaming Technology for Older Adults Living in Long-term Care Homes

Developing and Assessing an Innovative Exergaming Technology for Older Adults Living in Long-term Care Homes With a User-centered Design Approach

Residents living in long-term care (LTC) homes spend up to 75% of their day in sedentary, socially withdrawn situations which increases their risk for depression, dementia, decreased functional status and increased care costs. Physical activity is an accepted intervention to improve the physical health, cognition, and well-being of older adults. Moreover, systematic reviews have found that exergaming (i.e. physical activity gamified with technology) offers physical, cognitive, and social benefits by means of dual-task activities that engage both motor and cognitive abilities. The effect of exergaming for older adults in LTC is less clear, as this population has greater health needs related to physical health conditions, cognitive impairment, and functional dependence. Given the increased global demand for LTC, there is a need to develop and assess innovative exergaming technologies that can support the physical and cognitive health of LTC residents.

MouvMat is an exergaming technology intervention with an interactive digital gaming surface designed for older adults (OA) in LTC settings. Participants can play familiar games, like Simon or Bingo, by stepping on or tapping the surface with an assistive pointing device. Games can be played individually or with multiple players. LED lights on the surface provide an adaptive digital display and embedded pressure sensors respond to players' input. The investigators collaboratively designed a preliminary prototype with OA aged 65 and older in a pilot project.

The overall objective of this proposal is to conduct a pilot RCT of the Mouvmat to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and efficacy of the exergaming technology to improve the primary outcome of mobility, and the secondary outcomes of cognitive function and social isolation compared to a usual care control group receiving standard recreational programming by recreational therapists.

The sample size calculation was completed based on an effect size of 0.65 (power = 0.80; 2-tailed; α= 0.05). Assuming a 5% attrition rate, a total of 56 residents (28 people in a control group and 28 people in the intervention group) will be recruited. A block randomization design using a number generator to conceal the randomization sequence will be used to assign participants' units to the intervention or control groups. Block randomization was conducted to comply with COVID-19 restrictions. The investigators will attempt to recruit equal numbers of men and women with a range of mobility requirements (i.e., ambulate independently, using gait aids such as canes or walkers). In addition, a mix of approximately 5-10 LTC staff and/or residents' family members will be recruited at the end of the trial to conduct semi-structured interviews to understand the acceptability of the technology, design, usability and enjoyment, potential facilitators and barriers to exergame technology.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All residents at the participating long-term care homes are eligible if they are 55 years of age or older
• Ability to communicate and speak English
• Able to provide informed consent or have a substitute decision maker (SDM) who provides informed consent
• A family member, friend, or personally-hired caregiver of an older adult residing in one of our participating LTC facilities are eligible to participate if they are 18 years of age or older, can communicate and speak English
• The LTC resident does not need to be enrolled in or study in order for their family member/friend/caregiver to participate
• LTC staff are eligible if they can communicate and speak English, are currently working in one of the participating LTC facilities, have at least 6 months experience working with older adults in LTC, providing or supervising physical or recreational activities, or involved with purchasing or directing these activities, and are a member of one of the following professions/positions: physiotherapist, physiotherapy assistant, recreational therapist, or LTC administrator.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Residents will be ineligible to participate in the study is they cannot communicate or speak English
• Residents who typically do not participate in recreational activities
• Residents who have a severe sensory (e.g., deaf, blind) or severe to moderate cognitive impairment AND/OR scores less than 20 on the Mini- Mental Status Examination (MMSE)
• Family Members who cannot communicate or speak English
• Family Members who cannot interact with the MouvMat due to sensory limitations (i.e., severe visual or auditory impairment)
• Family Members who cannot provide verbal feedback