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NCT Number: NCT06711393

The Effectiveness of Exergaming for Older People Mobility and Balance

The mobility problems of older people are often related to the decrease of functional capacity and health [1], weakened physical condition, attitude to life and fear of falling [2]. Relatively little research has been done on the possibilities and effectiveness of exergaming on the mobility of old people. Interventions that include exergaming have been found to motivate and increase commitment to rehabilitation [3], to improve mobility, balance [4], performance in daily activities and independence [5].

The aim of randomized intervention trial is to find out the effect of physical exercises performed on the technological device (YetiHome®) on identified preclinical movement problems during a 2-month follow-up period. The goal is to produce information about the effectiveness of gamified physical exercises in preventing movement problems and supporting older people living at home.

This study investigates the effectiveness of the YetiHome in improving the physical functioning of older people. YetiHome is an assistive technology device developed for special groups. YetiHome is a small interactive touchscreen tablet with 27" screen and with Android operating system and it includes numerous applications. Added exergaming solution for the balance training. There is no previous scientific research on the effectiveness of the YetiHome on the mobility problems and activity of the community-dwelling older people living independently at home.

The aim of randomized intervention trial is to find out the effect of physical exercises performed on the technological device (YetiHome®) on identified preclinical movement problems during a 2-month follow-up period. The goal is to produce information about the effectiveness of gamified physical exercises in preventing movement problems and supporting older people living at home.

This study investigates the effectiveness of the YetiHome in improving the physical functioning of older people. YetiHome is an assistive technology device developed for special groups. YetiHome is a small interactive touchscreen tablet with 27" screen and with Android operating system and it includes numerous applications. Added exergaming solution for the balance training. There is no previous scientific research on the effectiveness of the YetiHome on the mobility problems and activity of the community-dwelling older people living independently at home.

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Key information

Conditions

Mobility Limitation Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

75 year–75 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Research unit of health sciences and technology

Oulu, PL 8000, Finland

About this study

Sample size calculation was completed based on an effect size of 0.35 (power = 0.80; α= 0.05). Assuming a 35% attrition rate, a total of 100 participants will be recruited (50 people in a control group and 50 people in the intervention group). The target group is 75 old people, who are not covered by social and health services and who have received a preventive home visit in the region of Kemi in northern Finland. The intervention groups consist of people who have been found to have preclinical mobility problems during a preventive home visit.

After being informed about the study all suitable participants of the preventive home visit willing to participate in this study will undergo baseline functional testing on week 0. Same functional measurements will be conducted after two-month intervention period. Baseline data collection of functional capacity utilizes the structured questionnaire (HEKO-tool), whose functional assessment targets are bridged to the ICF classification (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health). Data is collected on everyday activities as well as mental-wellbeing, social-wellbeing and risk of falls. In the second phase, the physical performance was assessed by a One-Leg Balance test (OLB) and Short Physical Performance test (SPPB) combined with a mobile solution developed to measure balance, AinoneBalance. The AinoneBalance application utilizes Romberg's standardized test. The participants were randomized into a game group and a control group. The gaming group received a YetiHome® device at home and instructions for the traditional exercise. The control group only received instructions for the traditional exercise.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Living at home.
  • Not a user of health and social services.
  • Sufficient cognitive ability to do exercises independently.

Exclusion criteria

  • Risk of hip fracture and inability to perform exercise independently.

Treatment and study plan

Exercise

Other

Traditional home exercise including balance and muscle strength training 15 minutes at the time and three times over the week. In addition, game-based exercises 15 minutes at the time and three times over the week.

Exercise as usual

Other

Traditional home exercise including balance and muscle strength training 15 minutes at the time and three times over the week without exergaming.

Primary outcomes

  1. Balance Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB)

    Time frame: From baseline to the end of intervention at 8 weeks

    Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Scores range from 0 to 12. The lower the SPPB total score, the greater the risk of future mobility.

  2. One Leg Balance (OLB)

    Time frame: From baseline to the end of intervention at 8 weeks

    AinoneBalance -solution, Movement path length. Standing 10 seconds with feet together, semi tandem, tandem, the eyes open and closed, on hard and soft surface.

  3. Mobility

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks

    Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Scores range from 0 to 12. The lower the SPPB total score, the greater the risk of future mobility.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Sari Arolaakso Senior Lecturer, PhD Student

CONTACT

[email protected]

+358 503109334

Satu Elo, PhD, Adjunct professor, Principal lecturer

CONTACT

[email protected]

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Oulu

Other

Registry information

Official study title

The Effectiveness of Exergaming (YetiHome®) Versus Traditional Exercise for Older People Mobility and Balance: Protocol of the Randomized Intervention Trial

Acronym: YetiExergame

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2024
Study completion
2025
First posted
Dec 2, 2024
Registry last updated
Dec 2, 2024

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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