Robot-Assisted Group Exercise Program for targeting Sarcopenia in Older Adults: Preliminary Results

• Main Authors: Bogliolo, M., Burlando, F., Germinario, A., Vallone, F., Pilotto, A., Micheli, E.
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Subjects: Humanoid robots; Monitoring; Older adults; Protocols; Real-time systems; Reliability; Robot vision systems; Timing; Training; Wearable sensors
• ISSN: 2164-0580
• DOI: 10.1109/Humanoids58906.2024.10769857

Sarcopenia, the decline in skeletal muscle tone, mass, and strength associated with aging and lack of physical activity, is becoming more common due to the increasing number and proportion of older adults in the global population. Regular physical exercises that target both the upper and lower limbs are essential to prevent the onset of Sarcopenia and counteract its effects. However, motivating older adults to start a fitness routine, especially in a group setting, is a significant challenge. This underscores the need for innovative, engaging solutions that are easy to use and designed for group participation. The main goal of this study was to develop and evaluate a new method to meet this need. We created a platform featuring the humanoid robot Pepper, which led a group of participants through a series of physical exercises designed to prevent and reduce Sarcopenia. The robot demonstrated and performed the exercises alongside the participants. Additionally, an external camera allowed Pepper to monitor the exercises in real-time, encouraging participants who slowed down or did not complete all movements. Offline processing of the recorded data enabled the assessment of individual performance. The platform was tested with 8 subjects diagnosed with Sarcopenia, divided into two groups. Preliminary results were promising participants expressed high satisfaction with the robot-guided training. They moved almost synchronously, indicating that they followed the robot's instructions closely, remained engaged, and adhered to the correct timing of the exercises.