Effect of Robotic Delivery of Physical Activity and Fall Prevention Exercise in Older Adults: A Pilot Cohort Study

Introduction The high prevalence of falls, lack stability and balance, general physical deconditioning are concerning issues for longevity quality life adults aged 65 years older. Although supervised delivery the Otago Exercise Program (OEP) has demonstrated evidence effectiveness in reducing fall risk older adults, opportunities ongoing unsupervised exercise performance warranted. An option to facilitate health behaviors may be via a social robot. purpose this study was examine feasibility initial outcomes robot-delivered prevention program community-dwelling adults. Methods Five participants were recruited receive modified OEP walking three times per week four weeks. Outcomes demographics, self-reported measures (Modified Falls Self-Efficacy Scale, Activities-specific Balance Confidence, Almere Model assessing various constructs acceptance use robotic technology), (Timed Up Go Test, Short Physical Performance Battery, Tracking System [BTrackS] center pressure sway) collected. Data analyzed descriptively examined trends change. Measures central tendency distribution used according data. Results mean age 75 (range: 66-83 years; females one male). range participant session completion 7-12 (mode=11, n=3). Constructs on that started remained positive Attitudes Toward Technology Perceived Enjoyment with Anxiety improved from 3.80 4.68, while Social Presence robot 2.80 3.56. construct Trust somewhat negative among upon commencing did not substantially change over time. Two their confidence Confidence scale by more than 10%, all showed some improvement balance. Mixed results found Modified Scale. Mean gait speed 0.76 seconds 3 meters. Improvement also two improving scores 2-3 points out 12. No appreciable changes Timed test BTrackS assessment. Conclusion Using robot-led is an accessible feasible way deliver home, but technical constraints remain. suggest four-week sufficient elicit potential reduce risk.