Feasibility and acceptability of a supervised and self-directed technology-based Dual Task training programme for older adults at risk of falling
Description: We often multitask in daily living; for example, walking while texting or reading the news while making our morning coffee. The ability to multitask, i.e., for our brain and body to work at the same time, declines with ageing. Reduced ability to multitask increases the risk of falling in older people. Research shows that training both the brain and body at the same time improves multitasking performance and mobility, thereby reducing the risk of falling. There is evidence that some mind-body training programmes, delivered via mobile applications on tablets and smartphones, can improve mobility and the ability to multitask, and are therefore value for money. Suitable cognitive (mind) and physical exercises can be pre-selected into a mind-body training programme, allowing people to self-direct their exercise independently while at home. According to the conversations we had with older people who have had a fall previously and are worried about falling again, a technological, home-based exercise programme can appear daunting to older people. They have acknowledged that they may have lower levels of experience, skills, knowledge or competence in using technology, and as a result they may be reluctant to engage with such initiatives. This study proposes a blended method combining both a supervised and a self-directed mind-body training programme, with the use of technology via a mobile app. This project will examine how acceptable this new programme is likely to be to older people at risk of falling and will evaluate the feasibility of delivering it within the NHS. We hypothesise that the initial support by professionals on how to exercise using the mobile app, is key to the sustained engagement with the app-based, mind-body training programme. Fifty older adults who have had a fall in the past year will be recruited from falls prevention services in the NHS within the West Midlands. They will participate in a 24-weeks mind-body exercise training programme. The programme has two phases: phase 1 (12 weeks) involves older adults undertaking the programme delivered via a mobile app with supervision from a physiotherapist in the community that aligns to the standard care (face-to-face exercise classes); phase 2 (12 weeks) is self-directed, with participants independently exercising at home using the app. Evaluation of the feasibility and acceptability of the blended exercise programme will be assessed at the end of each phase. The evaluation will include a) the use of the app, b) completion of the daily exercises recorded in the app, c) user satisfaction ratings, and d) recruitment/retention rates. Focus groups will be conducted at the end of phase 2 to discuss the recommendations for programme refinement and opportunities for the programme to be implemented in a larger-scale randomised controlled trial via the NHS falls prevention services.
Amount: £270,200
Funding type: research
Funder scheme: Research for Patient Benefit
Start date: 2024-01-01
End date: 2025-12-31
Investigator: Shin-Yi Chiou
Institution: UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS BIRMINGHAM NHS FOUNDATION TRUST
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Funded outputs count: 2
Funder award ID: NIHR205389
OpenAlex ID: G1702753455