Portable technology to support exercise in the homes of frail older adults: A development and pilot study

McArthur is the clinical lead of the Arts-Based exercise enabling LongEvity (ABLE) research initiative to revolutionize at-home exercise and development of fracture risk assessment and treatment tools for home and long-term care. This research project focused on the development and testing of a portable technology platform to promote sustainable exercise participation within the homes of frail, older adults who have been discharged from the hospital. The project engaged cross-disciplinary perspectives into the design and evaluation of the platform. The technology that has been developed will increase the enjoyment, affordability, and sustainability of rehabilitation in the home. Older adults who receive limited home care services and cannot access community exercise classes will be able to participate in enjoyable exercise within their homes. In the future, the platform will be able to be used across several sectors where older adults access services, for example in communities, complex continuing care, or long-term care. Further, limited physical therapy home care resources will not be additionally burdened. The team has used design thinking and participatory methods to incorporate older adults into the design and implementation of the platform. Dr. McArthur was successful in securing CIHR funds to continue her work at McMaster.