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

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.