A Mobile Application for Improving Functional Performance and Health Education in Older Adults: A Pilot Study

Jason Crandall K,Matthew Shake

doi:10.4172/2329-8847.1000151

Abstract

The purpose of this pilot study was to test a mobile app that combines exercise, health education, and bingo (Bingocize®) to improve functional performance, health knowledge, and adherence. Senior volunteers were assigned to use the app on tablets twice a week for 10 weeks or a use the app to play only modified bingo. Pre/post functional performance and health education knowledge were compared using Mixed ANOVA (p<.05). Health knowledge ( λ=6.06, F (1,10)=6.50, p=.029, =.394), Short Physical Performance Battery ( λ=.584, F(1, 10) =6.41, p=.032, =.416) , and gait velocity (λ=6.10, F (1,10)=6.40, improved in the experimental group only. Adherence was equivalent in both groups. Bingocize®and ef fective way to teach older adults health information, while improving functional performance.

Highlights

Quality of life for older adults depends on their ability to remain functionally independent and able to manage their own life for as long as possible
The ability of the mobile app to successfully engage older adults likely led to the significant improvements in functional performance and knowledge of fall risks and osteoarthritis found during our investigation
To our knowledge this is the first investigation to examine the use of mobile technology for implementing a multi-modal health promotion program for older adults

Summary

Introduction

Quality of life for older adults depends on their ability to remain functionally independent and able to manage their own life for as long as possible. Combining exercise and health education programs in a fun and familiar game may be an effective strategy to reduce older adults’ barriers to participation. Researchers used an interactive trivia game similar to “Jeopardy” to improve knowledge and awareness of antibiotic use in older adults [3]. Another widely popular and familiar game for all age groups, but especially for older adults, is bingo. In the context of health education, bingo has been effectively used to increase older adults’ knowledge about their risks of medication use and possible drug interactions [4]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion