Abstract
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. We conducted a pilot to assess safety, acceptability, and feasibility of a Wii-based exergame designed to increase disabled older adults' strength and balance. A working prototype was developed and evaluated. Then, we piloted a refined version with 19 disabled urban-dwelling older adults. 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%. 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.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: Progress in community health partnerships : research, education, and action
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.