Pilot Study of a 12-Week Robot-Assisted Activity Program to Increase Physical Activity in People with Dementia and Their Caregivers

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a robot-assisted tailored activity programme designed to improve physical inactivity in people with dementia and their informal caregivers. This pilot randomized controlled trial aims to test the feasibility and early effects of this programme on physical activity levels, self-confidence in physical activity, quality of life, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and psychological well-being. The study is conducted by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and focuses on mild to moderate dementia cases and their caregiving partners. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. The intervention group will receive a 12-week robot-assisted tailored activity programme, while the control group will continue with usual care provided by community centers. The tailored programme is designed specifically to address the needs of both the person with dementia and their caregiver, encouraging physical engagement and activity over the course of the study. Throughout the study, researchers will assess participants at the start and immediately after the 12-week period. They will measure changes in physical activity, self-efficacy related to physical activity, quality of life for both members of the caregiving dyad, neuropsychiatric symptoms in the person with dementia, and overall psychological well-being. The trial will also monitor the feasibility of implementing this robot-assisted programme. Participant involvement includes regular assessments and adherence to their assigned care pathway during the study period.

A Robot-assisted Tailored Activity Programme for People With Dementia and Their Caregivers