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A Bespoke Kinect Stepping Exergame for Improving Physical and Cognitive Function in Older People: A Pilot Study
Jaime A Garcia1,2, Daniel Schoene2,3, Stephen R Lord2,4
11 School of Communications and Computing, University of Technology Sydney , Sydney, Australia .
Games for Health Journal
|November 19, 2016
Summary
This study found that a home-based Kinect stepping exergame is a safe and feasible way for older adults to improve balance and mobility. The program led to significant gains in stepping reaction time, gait speed, and fall prevention metrics.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Digital Health
Background:
- Systematic reviews indicate step training halves falls in older adults.
- Investigated feasibility and effectiveness of a home-based, unsupervised Kinect stepping exergame.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the safety and effectiveness of a bespoke Kinect stepping exergame for unsupervised home use in older adults.
- To evaluate improvements in physical function and cognitive measures related to fall risk.
Main Methods:
- An uncontrolled pilot trial with 12 community-dwelling older adults (mean age 79.3 years).
- 12-week unsupervised home-based program using a Kinect stepping exergame (minimum 3x 20-min sessions/week).
- Outcome measures included choice stepping reaction time (CSRT), balance, gait speed, sit-to-stand (STS), timed up and go (TUG), and neuropsychological tests.
Main Results:
- 83% completion rate; median 8.2 sessions completed; no adverse events.
- Significant improvements observed in CSRT (11%), TUG (13%), gait speed (29%), standing balance (7%), and STS (24%) (P < 0.05).
- Non-significant but meaningful improvements in attention (13%) and executive function (15%) were noted.
Conclusions:
- A bespoke Kinect step training program is safe and feasible for unsupervised home use by older adults.
- The program effectively improved stepping, balance, gait speed, and mobility.
- Home-based step training shows potential as a component of fall prevention strategies for the elderly.
