Feasibility of a Home-Based Exergaming Intervention for Youth With Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Area of Science:

• Pediatric physical therapy
• Neuromuscular disorders
• Rehabilitation technology

Background:

• Optimizing physical activity in youth with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is crucial and evolving.
• Home-based interventions offer potential for consistent engagement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of a home-based exergame intervention for children and youth with SMA.
• To evaluate adherence, acceptability, and usability of the intervention in SMA patients and peer controls.

Main Methods:

• A 4-week study using 'Tales from the Magic Keep' exergame with 12 participants (4 SMA, 8 controls).
• Participants played the game 4 times/week for 20 min/session, wearing a wearable device.
• Feasibility assessed via adherence (gameplay frequency/duration), acceptability, and usability (questionnaires, SUS).

Main Results:

• 8 participants completed the study (4 SMA, 4 controls) with high adherence (average 4.5 sessions/week for SMA, 3.5 for controls).
• Gameplay was found acceptable and enjoyable; median System Usability Scale (SUS) score was 68/100.
• Wearable devices were well-accepted, comfortable, and non-interfering.

Conclusions:

• The home-based exergame intervention demonstrated feasibility and acceptability in two-thirds of participants.
• Iterative feedback from this study informed game interface updates to enhance gameplay optimization.