Citation

Szanton SL, Walker RK, Lim JH, Fisher L, Zhan A, Gitlin LN, Thorpe RJ, Terzis A. Prog. Community Health Partnersh. 2016; 10(1): 73-81.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Johns Hopkins University Press)

DOI

10.1353/cpr.2016.0005

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

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.

Language: en