Implementation of Exergame Telehealth in Subjective Cognitive Decline

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of a synchronous, remotely delivered, simultaneous aerobic exercise (AEx) and cognitive training program (Exergame) via BrainFitRx® in persons at risk for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) dementia. Methods In this pilot study, we employed a randomized controlled trial design in which participants were randomized to 1 of 3 groups: Exergame, AEx only, or stretching control on a 2:1:1 allocation ratio, 3 times a week for 12 weeks. Sessions were supervised in a synchronous audiovisual telehealth format by a clinical exercise physiologist. Feasibility and safety outcomes were assessed as session attendance, intensity adherence, and study-related adverse events. Usability for the Exergame was assessed by the Systems Usability Survey. Results The average age of the study sample (n = 39) was 74.6 ± 7.2 years old with 17.7 ± 2.3 years of education and 69.0% female. Overall participants in the Exergame and AEx groups attended on average 83.8% of possible sessions over the course of the 12-week study (85.6% attendance overall). Attendance was significantly higher for the AEx group (P = 0.02). Of the total training sessions completed collectively, 87.7% of sessions achieved the prescribed moderate intensity rating of perceived exertion targets (84.3% and 94.9% of sessions, respectively, for the Exergame and AEx groups). Overall, there were 2 study-related adverse events, both in the Exergames group. The Systems Usability Survey score was considered acceptable for the BrainFitRx. Conclusions In this study, we provide preliminary evidence of the feasibility of a simultaneous AEx + cognitive training (Exergame) program delivered through a synchronous telehealth format.