Comparing two coaching systems for improving physical activity of older adults

Heidi Similä, Juho H. Merilahti, Mari Ylikauppila, Salla Muuraiskangas, Jukka Perälä, Sauli Kivikunnas

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference article in proceedingsScientificpeer-review

    4 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Physical activity can prevent diseases and disablement in older adults. Two touch-screen based coaching systems developed for motivating older adults to increase their physical activity are presented. The systems had similar content, but they utilized a) text-based and b) animated virtual coach approaches to interact with the user. Both systems included health related tips and information, questionnaires, physical activity prompts and video guided exercises. Integrated sensors enabled self-monitoring of physical activities and health related parameters. Preliminary experiences of a short intervention study with four older users highlighted some important issues for the future work and the most advantageous features from both systems should be taken into account. Specifically the content of the activities and messages, and the visualization of the self-monitoring items were emphasized. Further studies are required to evaluate whether the proposed systems would actually increase physical activity of a person and the costs effects they pose.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationXIII Mediterranean Conference on Medical and Biological Engineering and Computing 2013
    EditorsLaura M. Roa Romero
    PublisherSpringer
    Pages1197-1200
    ISBN (Electronic)978-3-319-00846-2
    ISBN (Print)978-3-319-00845-5
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2013
    MoE publication typeA4 Article in a conference publication
    Event13th Mediterranean Conference on Medical and Biological Engineering and Computing 2013, MEDICON 2013 - Seville, Spain
    Duration: 25 Sept 201328 Sept 2013

    Publication series

    SeriesIFMBE Proceedings
    Volume41
    ISSN1680-0737

    Conference

    Conference13th Mediterranean Conference on Medical and Biological Engineering and Computing 2013, MEDICON 2013
    Abbreviated titleMEDICON 2013
    Country/TerritorySpain
    CitySeville
    Period25/09/1328/09/13

    Keywords

    • Motivation
    • physical exercising
    • virtual coach
    • self-monitoring

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