Motion-based Interactive Technology for Improved Quality of Life in Individuals With Cognitive Impairment

The aging population is growing in Sweden and worldwide, highlighting the urgent need to address their needs using available societal resources. In Swedish nursing homes, about 80,000 people reside, 70% of whom have cognitive impairments, and many are physically inactive. Cognitive impairment negatively impacts daily activities and quality of life, and is the most common reason for moving from home to a nursing home. Methods to meet these individuals' needs must be developed to motivate physical, cognitive, and social activation, aiming to improve the quality of life for older people with cognitive impairments. Movement-based interactive technology is a type of welfare technology that uses a virtual environment to stimulate activity. Virtual cycling is one example, where the individual pedals a stationary bike while watching a self-chosen interactive film. Virtual cycling thus includes multiple elements such as physical activation and cognitive and social stimulation. Previous research has shown virtual cycling to be a promising method for older adults with cognitive impairments. Few nursing homes have used this method, but a pilot project (unpublished) at nursing home for people with dementia, the investigators observed positive effects on the residents' quality of life. Virtual cycling has only been evaluated in three small international research studies, none of which have examined the impact on participants' quality of life. Therefore, the project's aim is to evaluate whether virtual cycling can improve quality of life and the physical, social, and cognitive activity abilities of older people with cognitive impairments. 1. Does virtual cycling contribute to an improved quality of life for older people with cognitive impairment? 2. How do residential staff and research assistants perceive the impact of virtual cycling on the physical, social, and cognitive abilities, as well as the quality of life, of older people with cognitive impairment? 3. What experiences do residential staff and research assistants have regarding the opportunities and obstacles for implementing virtual cycling?