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Effectiveness of an Augmented Reality-Assisted Baduanjin on Multidimensional Frailty Among Older Adults in Long-Term
1State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Department of Nursing, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Objectives:
Frailty accelerates functional decline and increases care dependence in long-term care facility (LTCF) residents. This trial evaluated whether augmented reality (AR)-integrated Baduanjin improves multidimensional frailty and related health outcomes in institutionalized older adults.
Design:
Single-blind, 3-arm randomized controlled trial.
Setting And Participants:
One hundred seventeen older adults (75.5 ± 5.1 years; 50% female) from LTCFs in Chongqing, China were randomized to AR, video, or control groups (n = 39 each). The AR system provided real-time kinematic tracking and visual feedback during exercise.
Methods:
The primary outcome was the Fried frailty phenotype. Secondary outcomes included physical, psychosocial, cognitive, and functional measures (eg, Activities of Daily Living Scale, 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey, and 15-Item Geriatric Depression Scale). Assessments were conducted at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. Effects were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance.
Results:
Adherence was high (AR, 91%; video, 89%). Significant effects of time (F = 39.47; P < .01), group (F = 3.46; P = .035), and interaction (F = 45.99; P < .01) were observed for frailty. The AR group showed greater improvement than controls at 12 weeks (P < .01). AR also produced superior gains in physical function, Activities of Daily Living Scale, nutrition, cognition, and mood compared with video and control groups.
Conclusions And Implications:
AR-enhanced Baduanjin significantly improves frailty and multidimensional health outcomes in LTCF residents. Integrating real-time digital feedback with traditional exercise is a feasible and scalable approach for frailty management in aged care settings.