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

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO · Nov 10, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new interactive gaming technology called MouvMat, designed to help older adults living in long-term care homes become more active, improve their thinking skills, and reduce feelings of loneliness. Many seniors in these homes spend most of their day sitting and not engaging with others, which can lead to health issues like depression and cognitive decline. MouvMat allows participants to play familiar games like Simon or Bingo by stepping on or tapping a special digital surface, making physical activity fun and social. The trial will compare the effects of MouvMat with usual recreational activities offered in the care homes to see which is more effective in improving mobility, thinking skills, and social interactions.

To be eligible for the trial, participants must be at least 55 years old and able to communicate in English. This includes residents of the care homes, as well as family members, friends, or caregivers of these residents, provided they are 18 or older. Participants will have the chance to engage with the MouvMat technology and provide feedback on their experience. It’s important to note that those with severe sensory impairments or significant cognitive challenges may not be able to participate. This trial aims to gather valuable insights about how innovative technologies like MouvMat can support the health and well-being of older adults living in long-term care settings.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• 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