Cognivitra: An Information Technology-Based Solution to Support Cognitive and Physical Training at Home

Abstract

Objectives: this article focuses on an information technology-based application, the Cognivitra, to support cognitive and physical training (i.e., dual-task training), which can be done at home with supervision of a health care provider. Cognivitra aims to increase the number and duration of training sessions and to overcome restrictions imposed by the availability of human and physical health care resources, and the aim of the study reported by this article was the assessment of the respective functional prototype. Methods: an observational study was conducted to assess the functional prototype using a peer review approach. The prototype was exposed in a highly specialized event related to healthy and active ageing, and key stakeholders were invited to test it and share their insights, including expectation of use, perception of market value, suggestions for improvement and other comments. Results: the observational study was conducted with 57 specialists in information technology-based applications to support healthy and active ageing, with an average age of 41.5 years. The results indicate that most of the participants would use or suggest the utilization of Cognivitra. Moreover, the participants made positive comments and improvement suggestions that focused on the difficulty level, the system response performance, the intuitiveness of icons and instructions, the user interaction, and the exercise duration. Conclusion: in general participants considered that Cognivitra is a useful tool and may represent an added value for remote dual task training. Although the results of this study were very positive and encouraging, improvements should be implemented before starting tests with real users.