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Gait impairment often limits physical activity and negatively impacts quality of life. EMG-Biofeedback (EMG-BFB), one of the more effective interventions for improving gait impairment, has been limited to laboratory use due to system costs and technical requirements, and has therefore not been tested on a larger scale. In our research, we aimed to develop and validate a cost-effective, commercially available EMG-BFB device for home- and community-based use. We began by repurposing mTrigger® (TJM Electronics, Warminster, PA, USA), a cost-effective, portable EMG-BFB device, for gait application. This included developing features in the cellphone app such as step feedback, success rate, muscle activity calibration, and cloud integration. Next, we tested the validity and reliability of the mTrigger device in healthy adults by comparing it to a laboratory-grade EMG system. While wearing both devices, 32 adults walked overground and on a treadmill at four speeds (0.3, 0.6, 0.9, and 1.2 m/s). Statistical analysis revealed good to excellent test–retest reliability (r > 0.89) and good to excellent agreement in the detection of steps (ICC > 0.85) at all speeds between two systems for treadmill walking. Our results indicated that mTrigger compared favorably to a laboratory-grade EMG system in the ability to assess muscular activity and to provide biofeedback during walking in healthy adults.

Digital health games offer one innovative approach to engage older adults to support healthy aging. Multiple reviews have described the positive impact of health games. Limited research has examined multi-focus health games implemented in senior centers. Informed by healthy aging theory and community-engaged methods, our multi-disciplinary team developed/refined an educational exergame with a combined focus on educating about healthy lifestyle behaviors (i.e., physical activity, healthy eating), stimulating cognitive functioning, and engaging movement to support healthy aging. A pilot study (Nf13; mean age = 78, 100% female) examined team gameplay (4 sessions in two weeks) in a senior center. Teams (2–3 members) worked together to answer knowledge, trivia, and cognitive challenge questions and competed for the highest score. A post-gameplay survey asked about acceptability, usability (i.e., adapted System Usability Scale), and perceived game impact. Preliminary results suggest team gameplay was engaging and nearly all (>90%) agreed/strongly agreed that they enjoyed playing with others (i.e., on teams); were comfortable doing the physical movements during gameplay; were satisfied with game educational, trivia, and cognitive questions; enjoyed the social part of team gameplay; would recommend the game to others; and the game increased their knowledge and motivation regarding physical activity and healthy eating. The System Usability Scale was above 70, on average, suggesting above average usability for the game. Findings support use of this educational exergame as an innovative way to engage older adults in health promotion. Presentation will describe game development/refinement, senior center pilot, and implications for future research and senior center translation.

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