A Social Virtual Reality-Based Application for the Physical and Cognitive Training of the Elderly at Home

Abstract

Frailty is a clinical condition affecting the elderly population which results in an increased risk of falls. Previous studies demonstrated that falls prevention programs are effective, but they suffer from low adherence, especially when subjects have to train unsupervised in their homes. To try to improve treatment adherence, virtual reality and social media have been proposed as promising strategies for the increase of users’ motivation and thus their willingness to practice. In the context of smart homes, this work presents SocialBike, a virtual reality-based application aimed at improving the clinical outcomes of older frail adults in their houses. Indeed, SocialBike is integrated in the “house of the future” framework and proposes a Dual Task training program in which the users are required to cycle on a stationary bike while recognizing target animals or objects appearing along the way. It also implements the possibility of training with other users, thus reducing the risk of social isolation. Within SocialBike, users can choose the multiplayer mode they prefer (i.e., collaborative or competitive), and are allowed to train following their own attitude. SocialBike’s validation, refinement, and business model are currently under development, and are briefly discussed as future works.

Breaking Social Isolation Amidst COVID‐19: A Viewpoint on Improving Access to Technology in Long‐Term Care Facilities

“…More advanced technology, for instance augmented reality, could as well prove beneficial in this patient population, by reducing the burden of frailty, increasing well-being and social participation, and thus promoting successful aging. 4,5 From the safety of the patients' own home, a device like a wireless virtual reality (VR) headset could provide the patient with immersive experiences, ranging from connecting with loved ones in a common simulated space to visiting environments not otherwise accessible (eg, a music concert or a nature expedition that could include interaction with virtual animals). For older patients isolated in LTC facilities, providing them with these technology-dependent amenities and social contacts could potentially decrease their sense of loneliness and increase their self-perceived health, similarly to the benefits seen with physically going outdoors.…”

“…It is difficult to see much silver lining to this pandemic from our current vantage point, and the totality of the fallout is far from certain. In addition to the known risks to older adults and those with chronic conditions, we are already seeing evidence that people with lower socioeconomic status are disproportionally affected by this virus 4,5 (higher burden of chronic medical conditions leading to higher risk of morbidity and mortality; less ability overall to socially distance leading to higher risk of infection; less financial cushioning leading to worse financial distress, etc).…”

Measuring the Use of the Active and Assisted Living Prototype CARIMO for Home Care Service Users: Evaluation Framework and Results

“…CARIMO differed from other AAL physical training prototypes for older people in three areas: intention for use, devices used, and the size and duration of the trial. First, a low-threshold exercise program developed for care-dependent people living at home offered a multi-component training program to improve coordination, strength, balance, and endurance [27] rather than training selected parts of the body, such as training using a treadmill [28] or ergometer [29,30]. Second, it applied two commercially available, comparatively low-cost components (with prices expected to fall over time) and thus did not require expensive fitness equipment, sensors, or computing hardware [28][29][30][31].…”

“…First, a low-threshold exercise program developed for care-dependent people living at home offered a multi-component training program to improve coordination, strength, balance, and endurance [27] rather than training selected parts of the body, such as training using a treadmill [28] or ergometer [29,30]. Second, it applied two commercially available, comparatively low-cost components (with prices expected to fall over time) and thus did not require expensive fitness equipment, sensors, or computing hardware [28][29][30][31]. Finally, compared to most of the previous work reporting on short-term tests and small sample sizes [29][30][31], CARIMO was tested in an eight-month field trial with about 100 participants.…”

“…Second, it applied two commercially available, comparatively low-cost components (with prices expected to fall over time) and thus did not require expensive fitness equipment, sensors, or computing hardware [28][29][30][31]. Finally, compared to most of the previous work reporting on short-term tests and small sample sizes [29][30][31], CARIMO was tested in an eight-month field trial with about 100 participants.…”