Feasibility and Acceptance of a Remotely Supervised Home-Based Group Mobility Exercise for Older Adults Using a Mobile Robotic Telepresence: A Pilot Study.

Background/objectives:  Mobile robotic telepresence could be used to remotely supervise physical activity programs. Our study aims to explore the feasibility, acceptance, and usability of a physical activity program offered synchronously via a mobile robotic telepresence platform.

Methods:  For this interventional study, five Cutii robots were made available in two residences for older adults in Quebec. Participants received the exercise program, two sessions per week for 4-6 weeks, delivered remotely via the robot. The following feasibility indicators were collected during the study, as recommended by Thabane et al.: process, resources, management, and intervention. Acceptance and usability of the technology were measured using the extended version of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology-based questionnaire and the System Usability Scale, respectively.

Results:  Eighty percent of participants completed the protocol, and 58% of participants attended 80% of the sessions. Various technical problems (internet connection and technology issues) limited the usability and acceptance of the technology.

Conclusion:  The results revealed that the program was feasible according to the process, management, and intervention indicators but unsatisfactory in terms of resources. For some participants, minor modifications were needed to improve technology support and facilitate connection to the mobile robotic telepresence. Further studies will need to focus on the evaluation of the effectiveness of this type of intervention.

Implications: These results emphasize the importance of continuing research evaluating the opportunities provided by new technologies to enhance older adults' engagement in physical activity and inform clinicians and policymakers to improve future services in this domain.