Remote Game-based Exercise Program for Cognitive and Motor Function Improvement

As our population ages, more older adults face motor-cognitive declines, increasing their risk of falls and fear of falling. Exercise is an effective way to maintain cognitive function, as supported by recent studies. However, those with poor motor and cognitive abilities often struggle to visit rehabilitation centers, leading to high dropout rates and low adherence to unsupervised programs. A remote exercise program tailored for individuals with cognitive impairments is urgently needed to preserve cognitive function, promote independent living, and reduce related costs. Researchers aim to develop an in-home system for adults with mild cognitive issues or dementia, designed to improve balance and cognition while being remotely supervised through telemedicine.

This study aims to develop and validate a remote exercise intervention for individuals at risk of or experiencing dementia using a wearable sensor-enabled platform, called Tele-Exergame. This approach could preserve cognitive function, promote independent living, reduce costs related to cognitive-motor decline, and advance remote technology use for screening cognitive and motor performance in older adults. The findings are crucial for healthcare providers, clinicians, seniors, and caregivers. 100 participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group, both undergoing a 12-week daily home exercise program for at least cumulative active exercise of 30 minutes per week twice weekly. The intervention group will complete sessions remotely using Tele-exergame, while the control group will participate in home-based exercise without technology.

Inclusion Criteria: * Adults with diagnosed with dementia or cognitive impairment * Living independently in a residential home with a caregiver/informant * Able to walk at least 30 feet with or without assistance Exclusion Criteria: * Immobility or major mobility disorder or inability to engage safely in the proposed weight-bearing exercise program * Diagnosed with severe cognitive impairment (MoCA score \< 16) * Subjects with major hearing/visual impairment