Motivating elderly to perform physical activity through a technology-based system.

Abstract

Introduction: To age in place, elderly need to maintain their strength, flexibility and mobility by continuing to be physical active in daily life. The intelligent Activity-based Client-centred Training (i- ACT), developed for neurorehabilitation, may also support physical activity in elderly by working client-centred towards their physical needs and/or wishes in a safe environment. Objectives: To assess the motivation, usability and credibility of i-ACT in elderly to perform physical activity . Method: A cross-sectional feasibility study was performed in five elderly (day) care centres in Flanders, Belgium. Participants received a 20-30 minutes’ trial with i-ACT consisting of different upper and/or lower limb exercises. After the trial, the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory, System Usability Scale, and Credibility/Expectancy Questionnaire were administered to evaluate the motivation, usability and credibility of the participants. Results: Forty-eight elderly were included (20 men, 28 women, aged 81.2±8.1 years). The IMI-scores indicate a good to very good motivation of using i-ACT (>3.40/5.00). The SUS-scores represent a good usability (median 72.50 (67.50-85.00)), and the CEQ-scores show a high score regarding the credibility of i-ACT (median 20.25 (16.80-24.00)), and a moderate expectancy towards i-ACT (median 15.90 (8.60-19.60)). Conclusion: The i-ACT is considered user-friendly and motivates elderly to perform physical exercises. Participant belief the i-ACT can support them in being physically active. The efficacy of i-ACT to perform physical activity in elderly has yet to be investigated as