Use of a Technology-based System to Motivate Aged Persons in Performing Physical Activity: A Feasibility Study

Abstract

BackgroundMaintaining or initiating regular physical activity (PA) is important for successful aging. Technology-based systems may support and stimulate aged persons to initiate and persevere in performing PA. The aim of the current study was to assess to which extent a customised Kinect system is 1) a credible tool to increase PA in aged persons, 2) motivating to perform PA by aged persons, and 3) easy to be used in aged persons. MethodsA mixed-method cross-sectional feasibility study was performed in 5 aged care facilities in Flanders, Belgium. Aged participants were asked to perform a 20-30 minute test with the intelligent Activity-based Client-centred Training (i-ACT) system. After the test, the ‘Credibility and Expectancy Questionnaire’ (CEQ), the ‘Intrinsic Motivation Inventory’(IMI), the System Usability Scale (SUS), and semi-structured interviews were conducted in the aged participants. Feedback was gathered using the thinking aloud method in both aged participants and supervisors. ResultsA total of 48 aged persons (20 males and 28 females, mean age=81.19 (SD=8.10)), were included. The scores pertaining to system credibility and expectancy, system usability, and motivation towards use were moderate to good. Participants reported that they liked using the i-ACT system, but that the context could be more attractive by adding more visualisations. Twelve supervisors gave feedback regarding the i-ACT systems itself, the use and motivational aspects. ConclusionsThis study indicates that i-ACT is a useful and motivational system to engage aged persons to perform PA and therefore supports successful aging. Furthermore, i-ACT is a low-cost, easy to use and controller/wire-free system, which makes i-ACT a suitable tool for use in the home environment. Further development and future research is necessary to adapt the i-ACT system towards the wishes and needs of the aged population at home and in care facilities. Future research should include the effect of using a client-centred task-oriented approach in combination with technology-supported systems to engage aged persons to perform PA. Trial registrationClinicalTrial.gov ID NCT04489563, 23 July 2020 - Retrospectively registered, https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/app/action/SelectProtocol?sid=S000A39C&selectaction=Edit&uid=U0003E6F&ts=37&cx=2jhfvs