Using exergames to support older adults with psychosis
Feasibility of Exergame-based Cognitive-motor Training in Older Psychotic Inpatients: a Randomized Controlled Trial
This project will test whether combining exergames with a falls-prevention program can help people aged 55 and older with psychosis improve mobility, thinking, and everyday functioning.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 32 (estimated) |
| Ages | 55 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Psychiatric Clinics Basel Research network |
| Locations | 1 site (Basel, Canton of Basel-City) |
| Trial ID | NCT07060742 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional program pairs Dividat Senso exergames with the OTAGO falls-prevention program for older adults who have psychotic disorders. Participants who can consent, speak German, are aged 55 or older, have a MoCA score of 20 or higher, and can stand unassisted for at least three minutes will take part in supervised, in-person training sessions and pre/post assessments. Outcomes will include measures of balance, gait, cognitive performance, fall risk, and daily functioning. The approach targets physical and cognitive rehabilitation alongside standard psychiatric care to address mobility decline, cognitive symptoms, and social isolation common in this group.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people aged 55 or older with a diagnosed psychotic disorder who can give informed consent, speak German, have a MoCA score of 20 or above, and can stand for at least three minutes without support.
Not a fit: People with severe mobility, cognitive, sensory, or psychiatric limitations that prevent playing the exergames or completing assessments, those with insufficient German language skills, or those with MoCA scores below 20 are unlikely to benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve balance and cognition, reduce fall risk, and enhance daily functioning and quality of life for older adults with psychosis.
How similar studies have performed: Some studies in older adults and in people with cognitive impairment suggest exergames can improve balance and cognition, but applying this combined exergame-plus-falls-prevention approach specifically to older adults with psychosis is relatively novel and not well established.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed psychotic disorders * Able to provide a signed informed consent * Age ≥ 55 years * MoCA ≥ 20 * Physically able to stand for at least 3 minutes without external support (self-report) Exclusion Criteria: * Insufficient knowledge of the German language to understand the instructions, the games, and the assessments * Mobility, cognitive, sensory and/or psychiatric limitations or comorbidities that impair the ability to play the exergames and/or conduct the pre-/post assessments
Where this trial is running
Basel, Canton of Basel-City
- Universitäre Psychiatrischen Kliniken (UPK) Basel — Basel, Canton of Basel-City, Switzerland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Tobias Melcher, Dr. Dipl.-Psych.
- Email: tobias.melcher@upk.ch
- Phone: +41 61 325 5163
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.