Physical and Cognitive Changes After a Gamified Dual-Task Program in Older Adults

This study employed a gamification-based integrated physical and cognitive program for older adults to examine the applicability of kinematic assessment using a markerless motion capture system (OpenCap version 1.0.1). The program was designed as a step-based dual-task intervention with progressively adjusted difficulty to simultaneously stimulate physical and cognitive functions. Nineteen older adults participated in the study, which evaluated their lower-extremity functional performance (Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test), dynamic balance (Four Square Step Test), curved walking ability (Figure-of-8 Walk Test, F8WT), cognitive function, and program satisfaction. Significant reductions in completion time were observed across all physical performance tests, suggesting within-group improvements in functional performance related to dynamic balance and curved walking ability. Cognitive function also showed significant within-group changes. Kinematic data collected using OpenCap system indicated a significant increase in knee joint angular velocity at the midpoint of the movement, but not in joint range of motion. In addition, high attendance and satisfaction levels were reported. These findings indicate that participation in the gamification-based dual-task program was associated with improvements in several physical performance and cognitive measures in older adults. In addition, the OpenCap system was used as a markerless motion analysis tool to capture movement-related kinematic data.