Summer Research Proposal for Department of Geriatrics
Student: Imma Seminole
Mentor: Dr. Granville
Background and Research QuestionsThe Nintendo Wii and other active video games have allowed people to enjoy a physically engaging
entertainment experience (JR Soc Med 2009: 102 (12):50). These exergames have become popular even
among elderly residents in retirement communities (Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 18(3):222). Yet despite
extensive research on the pediatric social and physical benefits of active video games, little data is
available concerning their effects in geriatric populations. The proposed project will attempt to fill this
gap in our knowledge.
Specifically, we will address the questions:
1. Does the use of Wii games in senior living facilities enhance the physical and social wellbeing of the residents?
2. Are some Wii games more appropriate than others for seniors?
3. How can the management and staff of Senior Living Centers facilitate the use of Wii games?
4. What else can be done to improve the benefits of Wii games for seniors?
Subjects – The subjects for this study will be 55-100 year old (male and female) residents living at local
independent living facilities.
Methods/Study Design –
We plan to conduct a literature review of the uses of exergames in adult and geriatric
populations. Media reports on how elderly populations are currently this technology will also be
explored. After analyzing the collected data, we will develop a survey to assess the current use of this
technology and its perceived benefits at two local senior living facilities that have community access to a
Wii system.
The survey developed will address the demographics of the population using the game system
including the age, gender and social background information of residents. We will also query seniors on
how often per week they play, what games they prefer, as well as what they perceive as the physical
and social benefits of participation in this activity. We also will ask if the seniors see any drawbacks in
using the Wii. Additionally, we will assess the learning curve, what disabled players can contribute,
whether players need assistance from staff, the type of training that was received, and what
improvement might be made to improve the gaming experience. Questions raised from the
investigation of published data on Wii usage will be added to this survey. With this survey, we plan to
perform a structured review of the Wii game use at the Cherry Laurel and Westminster Oaks retirement
centers.
The survey data with be analyzed to assess the optional use of the Wii in the local communities.
The findings of our study will be used in the development of a program proposal for Lake Ella Manor
Assisted Living Facility, which will include an evaluation tool for the new Wii program at this center. We
will then have a pilot test of the new program at Lake Ella on two separate dates.
Timeline
Week 1: literature search: use of Wii in older adults, articles selection
Weeks 2-3: article review, brief summarization of information with an emphasis on the senior
population living in senior communities if there is a large database
Weeks 3-4: development of survey for Cherry Laurel and WMO based on literature
Weeks 5-6: development of Wii program description and evaluation tool for Lake Ella
Weeks 7-8: pilot test of implementation of Wii program
Deliverables 1. Literature review of the use of Wii activities in the older adult population
2. Structured review (administered through structured interview, documented on a survey form)
the use of Wii at Cherry Laurel and Westminster Oaks retirement centers
3. Wii program proposal for Lake Ella with an evaluation tool (this is design of a project with a plan
for evaluation)
4. Wii program pilot implementation on two dates; small group format with post encounter
survey; possible focus group
We anticipate that this will lead to subsequent research of the benefits and burdens of a Wii program at
Lake Ella in the future
Statement of Student Goals:
This opportunity will contribute in a number of ways to my professional development. A
valuable skill I should obtain from this project is a better understanding of medical research
methodology. Conducting the review of the available data under the guidance of Dr. Granville will help
to evaluate the strengths and weakness of various experimental designs. This will be an important tool
that I can use as a future physician to practice evidence based medicine.
Additionally as an FSU medical student, I undoubtedly will see many geriatric patients in my
preceptors’ offices over the next few years. Conducting the structured review of the Wii use at the local
retirement facilities will provide me a greater knowledge base of the abilities of the geriatric population
and make it easier for me to provide patient centered care. Also, if future geriatric patients need to add
physical activity to their lifestyles for disease management or preventive care, I will be able to advise
them on the value of using exergames as part of their exercise regime.
References Required