Pilot feasibility study of a home‐based fall prevention exercise program (StandingTall) delivered through a tablet computer (iPad) in older people with dementia

• Published in: Australasian journal on ageing 2020-09, Vol.39 (3), p.e278-e287
• Main Authors: Taylor, Morag E., Close, Jacqueline C. T., Lord, Stephen R., Kurrle, Susan E., Webster, Lyndell, Savage, Roslyn, Delbaere, Kim
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: accidental falls; Accidental Falls - prevention & control; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; biomedical technology; Computers, Handheld; dementia; Dementia - diagnosis; exercise; Exercise Therapy; Feasibility Studies; Humans; Postural Balance
• ISSN: 1440-6381; 1741-6612
• DOI: 10.1111/ajag.12717

Objective To assess the feasibility and safety of StandingTall—an individually tailored, progressive exercise program delivered through tablet computers—in community‐dwelling older people with dementia. Methods Fifteen community‐dwelling older people with dementia (mean age = 83 ± 8 years; Montreal Cognitive Assessment 16 ± 5) received StandingTall for 12 weeks with caregiver assistance. Feasibility and safety were assessed using the System Usability Scale (SUS; scores = 0‐100; a priori target >65), Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES‐8; scores = 8‐56), adherence (exercise minutes) and adverse events. Results Mean SUS scores were 68 ± 21/69 ± 15 (participants/caregivers). The mean PACES‐8 score was 44 ± 8. In week 2, week 7 and week 12, mean (bias‐corrected and accelerated 95% CI) exercise minutes were 37 (25‐51), 49 (30‐69) and 65 (28‐104), respectively. In week 12, five participants exercised >115 minutes. One participant fell while exercising, without sustained injury. Conclusions StandingTall had acceptable usability, scored well on enjoyment and was feasible for participants. These results provide support for further evaluation of StandingTall in a randomised controlled trial with falls as the primary outcome.