Overview
Walking is essential for health, particularly for older adults. A declining walking speed can lead to increased risks of falls, mobility issues, and cognitive decline, significantly affecting quality of life. Yet, many older adults find it challenging to incorporate regular exercise into their daily routines. Our pilot project, "Andante," aims to make walking enjoyable by harnessing the motivational power of music.
Project Details
Andante: A feasibility study of a musical walking app synchronizing gait with personalized tempo-matched songs to enhance mobility in older adults. The method at the core of Andante involves "Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation" (RAS), where audio stimuli is used to encourage a synchronized walking pattern. Andante leverages this by syncing the music's beats to the user's walking pace, using a smartphone app that selects music with the right tempo.
Our pilot study aims to examine how Andante influences walking habits, focusing on three specific areas:
- Synchronizing walking pace with musical rhythm to promote a steady pace;
- Analyzing walking symmetry to help reduce gait asymmetries; and
- Gathering user feedback to assess the motivational impact of the music and refine the app's functionality.
We aim to collaborate with ExWell Medical to evaluate the app with a group of older adults. These participants will use the app during scheduled walking sessions to monitor their walking pace and symmetry and provide feedback on their experience. Beyond this pilot, our vision is to expand Andante's use in various settings—from hospitals to home care—aiding rehabilitation and encouraging daily exercise with enjoyable, personalized music experiences. This approach not only promotes physical activity but also aims to improve overall health outcomes and quality of life for older adults. Our project could redefine therapeutic practices and preventive care, making musical walking a standard part of maintaining health in ageing populations.
Members involved
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