@article{ref1,
title="Feasibility and acceptability study on the use of a smartphone application to  facilitate balance training in the ageing population",
journal="BMJ open",
year="2020",
author="Papi, Enrica and Chiou, Shin-Yi and McGregor, Alison H.",
volume="10",
number="12",
pages="e039054-e039054",
abstract="OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of  using an app-based technology to train balance in the older population. <br><br>DESIGN:  Prospective feasibility study. SETTING: The study was conducted in a university  setting and participants' homes. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-five volunteers ≥55 years old  were recruited. INTERVENTION: Participants were asked to follow a balance exercise  programme 7 days a week for 3 weeks using a phone application. Seventeen  participants trained for a further 3 weeks. OUTCOME MEASURES: Postural sway measures  during quiet standing with feet at shoulder width apart and feet together, one leg  standing and tandem stance were measured at baseline, and at the end of the 3 and 6  training weeks; the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) assessed  participants' physical activity level before training; and app acceptability was  recorded using a user experience questionnaire. <br><br>RESULTS: Participants on the 3 and  6-week programme on average completed 20 (±5) and 38 (±11) days of training,  respectively, and all scored moderate to high on the IPAQ. Between baseline and the  3-week assessments, statistically significant improvements were observed for  anteroposterior sway, mediolateral sway, sway area during tandem stance, for  anteroposterior sway during one leg standing and for sway area during feet together  stance. Improvements were observed at 6 week compared with baseline but those  between 3 and 6 weeks were not significant. Based on the questionnaire, participants  reported that the app is an appropriate tool for balance training (77%), they  reported benefits from the training (50%) and found it easy to fit it into daily  routine (88%). <br><br>CONCLUSION: The high level of adherence and improvements observed in  the analysed measures demonstrate the feasibility of using an app to train balance  in moderately to highly physically active older participants. This demonstrates that  given appropriate tools the older population is positive towards and receptive of  digital interventions aimed to improve balance.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="2044-6055",
doi="10.1136/bmjopen-2020-039054",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-039054"
}