1
|
Lee EWJ, Tan WW, Pham BTP, Kawaja A, Theng YL. Addressing Data Absenteeism and Technology Chauvinism in the Use of Gamified Wearable Gloves Among Older Adults: Moderated Usability Study. JMIR Serious Games 2024; 12:e47600. [PMID: 38656778 PMCID: PMC11079763 DOI: 10.2196/47600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digital health technologies have the potential to improve health outcomes for older adults, especially for those recovering from stroke. However, there are challenges to developing these technologies, such as data absenteeism (where older adults' views are often underrepresented in research and development) and technology chauvinism (the belief that sophisticated technology alone is the panacea to addressing health problems), which hinder their effectiveness. OBJECTIVE In this study, we aimed to address these challenges by developing a wearable glove integrated with culturally relevant exergames to motivate older adults to exercise and, for those recovering from stroke, to adhere to rehabilitation. METHODS We conducted a moderated usability study with 19 older adults, of which 11 (58%) had a history of stroke. Our participants engaged in a 30-minute gameplay session with the wearable glove integrated with exergames, followed by a quantitative survey and an in-depth interview. We used descriptive analysis to compare responses to the System Usability Scale between those who had a history of stroke and those who did not. In addition, we analyzed the qualitative interviews using a bottom-up thematic analysis to identify key themes related to the motivations and barriers regarding the use of wearable gloves for rehabilitation and exercise. RESULTS Our study generated several key insights. First, making the exergames exciting and challenging could improve exercise and rehabilitation motivation, but it could also have a boomerang effect, where participants may become demotivated if the games were very challenging. Second, the comfort and ease of use of the wearable gloves were important for older adults, regardless of their stroke history. Third, for older adults with a history of stroke, the functionality and purpose of the wearable glove were important in helping them with specific exercise movements. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight the importance of providing contextual support for the effective use of digital technologies, particularly for older adults recovering from stroke. In addition to technology and usability factors, other contextual factors such as gamification and social support (from occupational therapists or caregivers) should be considered to provide a comprehensive approach to addressing health problems. To overcome data absenteeism and technology chauvinism, it is important to develop digital health technologies that are tailored to the needs of underserved communities. Our study provides valuable insights for the development of digital health technologies that can motivate older adults recovering from stroke to exercise and adhere to rehabilitation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edmund W J Lee
- Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Centre for Information Integrity and the Internet, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Warrick W Tan
- Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ben Tan Phat Pham
- Ageing Research Institute for Society and Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ariffin Kawaja
- StretchSkin Technologies Pte Ltd, Singapore, Singapore
- SingHealth Polyclinics, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yin-Leng Theng
- Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Ageing Research Institute for Society and Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Seinsche J, de Bruin ED, Saibene E, Rizzo F, Carpinella I, Ferrarin M, Moza S, Ritter T, Giannouli E. A Newly Developed Exergame-Based Telerehabilitation System for Older Adults: Usability and Technology Acceptance Study. JMIR Hum Factors 2023; 10:e48845. [PMID: 38060283 PMCID: PMC10739244 DOI: 10.2196/48845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telerehabilitation has gained significance as a tool to deliver and supervise therapy and training as effective as traditional rehabilitation methods yet more accessible and affordable. An exergame-based telerehabilitation system has recently been developed within the scope of the international Continuum-of-Care (COCARE) project. The system comprises training devices for use in clinics (Dividat Senso) and at home (Dividat Senso Flex), an assessment system, and a rehabilitation cockpit, and its focus lies on home-based motor-cognitive training, which is remotely managed by health care professionals (HPs). OBJECTIVE This study aims to analyze the usability, acceptance, and enjoyment of the COCARE system from the perspective of primary (older adults [OAs]) and secondary (HPs) end users. METHODS At 3 trial sites (located in Switzerland, Italy, and Cyprus), participants engaged in a single-session trial of the COCARE system, including testing of exergames and assessments. Mixed methods encompassing qualitative approaches (eg, think aloud) and quantitative measures (eg, Exergame Enjoyment Questionnaire [EEQ], System Usability Scale [SUS], and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology [UTAUT] questionnaire) were used to analyze participants' perceptions of the system and identify potential barriers to its implementation in a home setting. In addition, the associations of performance during gameplay and assessments, demographics, and training motivation (Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-3 [BREQ-3]) with usability, acceptance, and enjoyment were explored. RESULTS A total of 45 OAs and 15 HPs participated in this study. The COCARE system achieved good acceptance ratings (OAs: 83%, range 36%-100% and HPs: 81%, range 63.8%-93.3% of the maximum score), and OAs indicated high enjoyment (mean 73.3, SD 12.7 out of 100 points in the EEQ) during the exergame session. The system's usability, assessed with the SUS, received scores of 68.1 (SD 18.8; OAs) and 70.7 (SD 12.3; HPs) out of 100 points, with substantial differences observed between the trial sites. Several requirements for improvement were identified. Commonly mentioned barriers to adoption included the movement-recognition sensitivity of the Senso Flex, its limited markings, and difficulties in understanding certain instructions for assessments and games. Performance in games and assessments showed the highest significant correlations with the SUS (Spearman ρ=0.35, P=.02 to ρ=0.52, P<.001). The BREQ-3 had significant correlations with all usability measures, thereby even large significant correlations with enjoyment (Spearman ρ=0.58; P<.001). Age had moderately significant correlations with the SUS (Spearman ρ=-0.35; P=.02) and the UTAUT total score (ρ=-0.35; P=.02) but no significant correlation with the EEQ. Concerning sex and years of education, no significant correlations were found. CONCLUSIONS The study's findings will inform the further development of the COCARE system toward a user-friendly and widely accepted version, enhancing cognitive and physical functions in OAs. Future randomized controlled trials should evaluate the system's feasibility and effectiveness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Seinsche
- Movement Control and Learning Group, Institute of Human Movement Sciences and Sport, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Eling D de Bruin
- Movement Control and Learning Group, Institute of Human Movement Sciences and Sport, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Health, OST - Eastern Swiss University of Applied Sciences, St. Gallen, Switzerland
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Enrico Saibene
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi Onlus, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Rizzo
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi Onlus, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Carpinella
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi Onlus, Milan, Italy
| | - Maurizio Ferrarin
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi Onlus, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Tanja Ritter
- Movement Control and Learning Group, Institute of Human Movement Sciences and Sport, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Eleftheria Giannouli
- Movement Control and Learning Group, Institute of Human Movement Sciences and Sport, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Division of Sports and Exercise Medicine, Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Campelo AM, Weisberg A, Sheehan DP, Schneider K, Cossich VRA, Katz L. Physical and Affective Physical Literacy Domains Improved After a Six-Week Exergame Exercise Program in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. Games Health J 2023; 12:366-376. [PMID: 37311178 DOI: 10.1089/g4h.2022.0212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: We investigated the effects of an exergames-based exercise program for older adults, and its benefits on their physical literacy (PL) domains, such as physical (mobility skills), affective (motivation and confidence), cognitive (knowledge about physical activity [PA]), and behavioral (daily exertion) when compared with a conventional exercise program and no training (NT) (control). Material and Methods: Forty older adults (mean age 72 years) volunteered and were randomized within three groups-exergame training (ET; n = 15), conventional training (CT; n = 14), and NT (n = 11). ET group performed training sessions based on a commercially available exergame console, while the CT group enrolled in a convention exercise program (aerobic, strength, balance, and flexibility exercises). The training program was conducted three times a week for 6 weeks. The Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), Exercise Confidence Survey (ECS), Motives for Physical Activity Measure-Revised (MPAM-R), Knowledge and Understanding Questionnaire (K&UQ), and total PA tracking (using wearable technology) were used as the study's outcomes. Outcome variables were measured at preintervention (week 0), postintervention (week 6), and at the time of final follow-up (week 9). Results: We observed a reduction in the ET TUG time at postintervention and follow-up. Also, a significant main effect for group and moment of measurement was observed for the Fitness-Health subscore, derived from MPAM-R. The values demonstrated by ET and CT were statistically different (P = 0.01) and a within-group comparison revealed significant differences in the ET from preintervention to both postintervention and follow-up (both, P = 0.01). We did not observe any other significant difference. Conclusion: Our results suggest that a 6-week exergame-based training program may have the potential in improving the physical and affective domains of PL in community-dwelling older adults. The topics related to fitness and health seem to be of interest in this population and programs can make use of them to improve the PL domains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Monte Campelo
- Sport Technology Research Lab, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Alanna Weisberg
- Sport Technology Research Lab, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Dwayne P Sheehan
- Faculty of Health, Community and Education, Mount Royal University, Calgary, Canada
| | - Kathryn Schneider
- Sport Injury Prevention Research Center, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Victor R A Cossich
- Sport Technology Research Lab, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Larry Katz
- Sport Technology Research Lab, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Leal JC, Belo VS, Santos IM, Ferreira RV, de Melo SN, da Silva ES. Exergames in Older Adult Community Centers and Nursing Homes to Improve Balance and Minimize the Risk of Falls in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:1872. [PMID: 37444706 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11131872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a substantial gap in our knowledge regarding the efficacy of exergames on the reduction of fall risk in older adults. This systematic review analyzes the findings of clinical trials describing the efficacy of exergames to improve balance or reduce the risk of falls in individuals above 60 years of age who are residents in community centers or nursing homes. We searched Google Scholar, PubMed, and Embase up to January 2023. Initially, 52,294 records were screened. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 20 studies were included in this systematic review. Meta-analyses revealed statistically significant reductions in the risk of falls and improvements in balance. Exergaming tended to produce positive benefits according to the results obtained using different instruments (TUG, PPA, BBS, and others), control groups, and times of intervention. Nevertheless, a substantial proportion of studies exhibited a high risk of bias and only one had a long follow-up period. Although a large body of evidence supports the view that exergaming is suitable for reducing fall risk and improving balance in older adults, some gaps remain in our knowledge about such benefits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José Carlos Leal
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of São João Del Rei, CCO Campus, Divinópolis 35501-296, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Physical Education Course, University Center of Formiga, Formiga 35574-530, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Vinícius Silva Belo
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of São João Del Rei, CCO Campus, Divinópolis 35501-296, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ingrid Morselli Santos
- Medicine Course, Federal University of São João Del Rei, CCO Campus, Divinópolis 35501-296, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Vinícius Ferreira
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of São João Del Rei, CCO Campus, Divinópolis 35501-296, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Physical Education Course, University Center of Formiga, Formiga 35574-530, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Saulo Nascimento de Melo
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of São João Del Rei, CCO Campus, Divinópolis 35501-296, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Sérgio da Silva
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of São João Del Rei, CCO Campus, Divinópolis 35501-296, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Buyle M, Jung Y, Pavlou M, Gonzalez SC, Bamiou DE. The role of motivation factors in exergame interventions for fall prevention in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Neurol 2022; 13:903673. [PMID: 35989930 PMCID: PMC9388774 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.903673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Balance disorders and falls are common in the elderly population. Regular balance exercises are an evidence-based physical intervention to prevent falls in older adults, while patient motivation and adherence are important factors for intervention outcome. Exergames are a relatively new, alternative intervention for physical rehabilitation as they improve balance and strength in older adults. The aims of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to assess the (1) effect of motivation factors as per the Capability, Opportunity and Motivation model of Behavior change (COM-B) on the effectiveness of exergame interventions in healthy older adults, (2) effectiveness of exergames to improve balance in older healthy adults and, (3) impact of exergames on cognitive outcomes. Results show that motivation and capability components influence the general outcome of the exergame training. Motivational factors should thus be considered when setting-up an exergame intervention. Furthermore, exergame intervention appears to be a promising training method in comparison to traditional exercise training. However, exergame training in itself might not be sufficient to improve fall risk and cognitive performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margot Buyle
- Psychological Sciences Research Institute and Institute of NeuroScience, Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Margot Buyle
| | - Yujin Jung
- Audiology Department, Guy's and St Thomas' National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marousa Pavlou
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Centre for Human and Applied Physiological Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sergi Costafreda Gonzalez
- Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Doris-Eva Bamiou
- University College London Ear Institute, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Biomedical Research Centre, National Institute for Health Research, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|