Exergaming for Aging Adults
(MouvMat Trial)
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
Residents living in long-term care (LTC) homes spend up to 75% of their day in sedentary, socially withdrawn situations which increases their risk for depression, dementia, decreased functional status and increased care costs.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.
Research Team
Charlene Chu, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Toronto
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for older adults aged 65+ living in long-term care homes, their caregivers, and LTC staff with experience in physical or recreational activities. Participants must speak English and be able to consent or have someone who can consent for them.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants in the intervention group engage in a 6-week exergaming program using MouvMat, 3 times per week, 45 minutes per session
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in mobility, cognitive function, and social isolation after the intervention
Post-intervention Evaluation
Semi-structured interviews conducted to evaluate the acceptability of the technology, design, usability, and enjoyment
Treatment Details
Interventions
- MouvMat
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Toronto
Lead Sponsor
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada
Collaborator