Journal article
A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study of Home-Based Step Training in Older People Using Videogame Technology
PLoS One, Vol.8(3), e57734
2013
Abstract
Background: Stepping impairments are associated with physical and cognitive decline in older adults and increased fall risk. Exercise interventions can reduce fall risk, but adherence is often low. A new exergame involving step training may provide an enjoyable exercise alternative for preventing falls in older people. Purpose: To assess the feasibility and safety of unsupervised, home-based step pad training and determine the effectiveness of this intervention on stepping performance and associated fall risk in older people. Design: Single-blinded two-arm randomized controlled trial comparing step pad training with control (no-intervention). Setting/Participants: Thirty-seven older adults residing in independent-living units of a retirement village in Sydney, Australia. Intervention: Intervention group (IG) participants were provided with a computerized step pad system connected to their TVs and played a step game as often as they liked (with a recommended dose of 2-3 sessions per week for 15-20 minutes each) for eight weeks. In addition, IG participants were asked to complete a choice stepping reaction time (CSRT) task once each week. Main Outcome Measures: CSRT, the Physiological Profile Assessment (PPA), neuropsychological and functional mobility measures were assessed at baseline and eight week follow-up. Results: Thirty-two participants completed the study (86.5%). IG participants played a median 2.75 sessions/week and no adverse events were reported. Compared to the control group, the IG significantly improved their CSRT (F31,1 = 18.203, p<.001), PPA composite scores (F31,1 = 12.706, p = 0.001), as well as the postural sway (F31,1 = 4.226, p = 0.049) and contrast sensitivity (F31,1 = 4.415, p = 0.044) PPA sub-component scores. In addition, the IG improved significantly in their dual-task ability as assessed by a timed up and go test/verbal fluency task (F31,1 = 4.226, p = 0.049). Conclusions: Step pad training can be safely undertaken at home to improve physical and cognitive parameters of fall risk in older people without major cognitive and physical impairments. Trial Registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12611001081909. © 2013 Schoene et al.
Details
- Title
- A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study of Home-Based Step Training in Older People Using Videogame Technology
- Authors
- D Schoene (Author) - Neuroscience Research AustraliaS R Lord (Author) - Neuroscience Research AustraliaK Delbaere (Author) - Neuroscience Research AustraliaC Severino (Author) - Neuroscience Research AustraliaT A Davies (Author) - Neuroscience Research AustraliaStuart T Smith (Author) - Neuroscience Research Australia
- Publication details
- PLoS One, Vol.8(3), e57734; 8
- Publisher
- Public Library of Science
- Date published
- 2013
- DOI
- 10.1371/journal.pone.0057734
- ISSN
- 1932-6203
- Copyright note
- Copyright © 2013 Schoene et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99449290102621
- Output Type
- Journal article
Metrics
204 File views/ downloads
738 Record Views
InCites Highlights
These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output
- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Geriatrics & Gerontology
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
Source: InCites