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Development of an Exergame for Urban-dwelling Older Adults With Functional Limitations: Results and Lessons Learned
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Development of an Exergame for Urban-dwelling Older Adults With Functional Limitations: Results and Lessons Learned

Sarah L. Szanton, Rachel K. Walker, Jyong H. Lim, Laura Fisher, Andong Zhan, Laura N. Gitlin, Roland J. Thorpe and Andreas Terzis
Progress in community health partnerships, v 10(1), pp 73-81
01 Mar 2016
PMID: 27018356

Abstract

Life Sciences & Biomedicine Public, Environmental & Occupational Health Science & Technology
Background: Falls at home are common and potentially fatal for disabled older adults. To address this problem, we created an academic-community partnership involving disabled, urban-dwelling older adults and their families, the housing authority, a Tai Chi master, and a university. Objectives: We conducted a pilot to assess safety, acceptability, and feasibility of a Wii-based exergame designed to increase disabled older adults' strength and balance. Methods: A working prototype was developed and evaluated. Then, we piloted a refined version with 19 disabled urban dwelling older adults. Results: The program was enjoyable, feasible, and acceptable. Participants described multiple functional improvements. Of the 16 who completed at least three gaming sessions, average balance score increased 25% and gait speed increased 19%. Conclusions: This pilot showed promising results for improving strength and balance in the home setting, and yielded valuable lessons about health technology development with community partners.

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10 citations in Scopus

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UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This publication has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#3 Good Health and Well-Being

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Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
Web of Science research areas
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
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