To study the effects of a 6-week unsupervised home-based exergaming training on the balance ability of older adults who have a fall risk or who have fallen without physical consequences.
ID
Source
Brief title
Condition
- Other condition
Synonym
Health condition
Houdingscontrole / balans vaardigheden
Research involving
Sponsors and support
Intervention
Outcome measures
Primary outcome
Balance outcome measures derived from an accelerometer sensor : average sway
amplitude, root mean square of the sway, sway frequency, sway area, the
regularity and predictability of the sway. In addition three clinical balance
measures are used to quantify balance: the NRBT, the FICSIT-4, and the FSST
Secondary outcome
not applicable
Background summary
Fall injuries are responsible for significant disability, physical dysfunction,
and loss of independence among older adults. More than one-third of the elderly
falls each year at least once and the resulting medical costs are estimated at
M¤670 per year in the Netherlands. Poor postural balance is one of the major
risk factors for falling. Within the research center SPRINT of the UMCG a
serious game has been developed, exergame (skating game, an exergame (=exercise
+ game) for unsupervised training of balance of older adults at home. In a
first pilot with older adults with no history of falls the feasibility and
effect on balance performance was tested. Results showed high adherence to the
training, people were motivated, could easy get along with the hardware and
software, and over the group balance improved in this healthy group of older
adults. In the current study we will replicate this study with a group of older
adults who have a high fall risk or a history of falls with no serious physical
consequences.
Study objective
To study the effects of a 6-week unsupervised home-based exergaming training on
the balance ability of older adults who have a fall risk or who have fallen
without physical consequences.
Study design
Ten older adults independently living fallers play the skating exergame for six
weeks (at least three times per week 30 minutes) in their home environment.
During gameplay whole body movement data is collected using Kinect.
At the first and last day of the 6-weeks exergame period, as well as on day 15
and 29 a series of balance measurements is performed in the home environment.
These measurements include three existing validated static and dynamic balance
tests: the Narrow Ridge Balance Test (NRBT), a balance scale including tandem
stance (FICSIT-4), and the Four Step Square Test (FSST). During these test
participants will wear a small device with accelerometers. Additionally 5
one-minute exergame trials are conducted during from which the balance will be
quantified using previous defined parameters. Furthermore, on the first and
last day of the six week intervention period the Falls Efficacy Scale (FES) the
Impact on Participation and Autonomy (IPA), questionnaire will be administered.
On the last day a short evaluation questionnaire about the experiences with the
skating game is filled in.
Study burden and risks
No risks other than during normal daily activities are present during gameplay
and no discomfort is experienced. The game can be played in different
difficulty settings and a student is present during gameplay the first three
times unless a participant indicates that they feel comfortable playing the
game without their attendance. The exercise game itself is not intense and
participants are not challenged to make sway movements that are out of their
comfort zone.
Antonius Deusinglaan 1
Groningen 9713AV
NL
Antonius Deusinglaan 1
Groningen 9713AV
NL
Listed location countries
Age
Inclusion criteria
Older adults 65 year or older
Older adults who are referred to the fall clinic according to the directions for fall preventions in the *1e en 2e lijn zorg* because 1) they fell in the previous year without medical consequences and without medical explanation 2) they have an instable gait and problems with balance.
Able to stand without walking aid for 3-5 minutes.
Exclusion criteria
Neuromuscular or orthopaedic impairments that might affect balance ability.
History of fall(s), which caused trauma or with medical explanation (e.g. neurological or orthopedic disorder) for fall
Impaired cognitive function (MMSE < 24)
Knee or hip prosthesis implanted less than one year ago.
BMI of 30+
Self-reported orthostatic complaints or the use of medication that can cause orthostatic hypotension
Eye- or hearing impairments that might affect balance ability or gaming experience.
No understanding of the Dutch language
Design
Recruitment
Followed up by the following (possibly more current) registration
No registrations found.
Other (possibly less up-to-date) registrations in this register
No registrations found.
In other registers
| Register | ID |
|---|---|
| CCMO | NL59514.042.16 |