SALUTOGEN : User-center development and prototype testing of a system supporting seniors’ physical activity for fall prevention

• Background:Physical activity (PA) can contribute to fall prevention among seniors. Many seniors need to increase their PA and regularly perform balance-enhancing activities. Changing behavior is often challenging, especially long-term. Therefore, support for change and long-term maintenance of PA behavior contributing to fall prevention is essential. Technology-based applications are widely exploited to support PA but do not match seniors’ needs. Therefore, new solutions are needed that support seniors’ PA for fall prevention leveraging theory for behavioral change and the specific target user’ needs.Aim, Method:SALUTOGEN is a research and innovation project aiming to develop and test a system prototype of technology-based motivation support for seniors’ PA including balance training. The developed technology includes apps for tablet and mobile phone that together provide seniors with motivation support for PA, activity measurement and video-coaching. The project is based on iterative user-centered methodology including: development of needed app components; evaluation of single apps and their integration; pilot feasibility evaluation with seniors and coaches in real world settings.  Results:Valuable feedback from seniors was collected and used in the iterative development, especially from the motivation support perspective. The evaluation showed that the apps must be very intuitive and easy to understand. Preliminary results from the on-going pilot evaluation indicate that the coaching is highly appreciated by seniors and coaches. Moreover, the seniors’ and coaches’ experience in using the technology highly depends on the technology’s usability and reliability. Conclusions:Technology-based interventions can play an important role in supporting seniors’ PA for fall prevention. Results from the project indicate that solution’s key elements are perceived important and appreciated by seniors and coaches. However, it is crucial for the users that the technical applications are light, intuitive and robust.

Ämnesord

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Annan teknik -- Interaktionsteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Other Engineering and Technologies -- Interaction Technologies (hsv//eng)

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