Development and Testing of an Exergaming and Artmaking Program to Enhance Cognitive and Physical Function in Older Adults: Results of a Community-Based Pilot Study.

Background: Group-based recreational activities, including physical activity and art-making, can help older adults preserve or even improve key functional outcomes essential to successful aging, while also fostering social support. Community-university partnerships can promote successful aging by facilitating the design and implementation of evidence-based, relevant, and impactful programs that better meet the needs of older adults in our community.

Objective: This study aimed to leverage a community-integrated approach to develop and test a recreation-based exergaming and art-making program on improving cognitive and physical functional outcomes in older adults.

Methods: Working with the Buffalo-Niagara YMCA, we developed the "Movers and Makers Club," a group-based recreation program to improve cognitive and physical function in aging. We recruited adults, ≥65 years, to participate in weekly group-based SMARTfit exergaming and artmaking during the 12-week program. The program was divided into 2 phases. During the design phase, we sought direct feedback from older adults in the community regarding the appeal and usability of proposed exergaming activities and art projects. In the impact phase, we administered a 1-group, 12-week pilot study to test the effects of group-based SMARTfit exergaming and visual artmaking on performance on the Trail-Making Test and Stroop Color and Word Test. In addition, other functional assessments included a 4-Stage Balance Test, 30-second Sit-to-Stand test, and a 6-Minute Walk Test. Key participant-reported outcomes were also collected on the appeal, enjoyability, and usability of program activities.

Results: In all, 17 older adults (mean age 73.80, SD 4.10 y) enrolled in the program between 2 YMCA branches: one representing the City of Buffalo and one, a local suburb. At the end point, all 17 participants completed at least 9 out of 12 sessions. Participants reported high ratings of enjoyment and satisfaction with their experience. They also reported that their comfort level while exercising, maintaining their balance, and walking had improved. Participants also found their comfort level with doing art, and their interest in trying new artistic pursuits increased. In addition, performance on the Trail-Making Test and Stroop Color and Word Test improved from baseline to end point (P<.001). We also observed improvements in 1-leg balance, 30-second Sit-to-Stand test performance, and 6-Minute Walk Test distance (P<.001).

Conclusions: Our group-based recreation program, delivering SMARTfit exergaming and guided art-making to older adults, improved cognitive and physical functions important to successful aging. In addition, our approach of seeking direct feedback from older adults, in developing the program, produced a highly enjoyable and appealing experience that was age- and ability-appropriate. Our future programs will integrate formal assessments of key psychosocial factors that may influence both the implementation and functional impacts of the "Movers and Makers" curriculum.