Robot-Assisted Meditation for Older Adults With Cognitive Concerns
Status
Conditions
Treatments
Details and patient eligibility
About
While traditional app-based mindfulness meditation programs relying solely on audio guidance have shown potential benefits for older adults, the apps often face challenges such as low compliance. Participants frequently report difficulties in maintaining focus during meditation sessions, which can limit its effectiveness in improving outcomes such as stress reduction and sleep quality. Recognizing these limitations, this study explores whether a haptic-enabled handheld robot can enhance meditation practices by providing both haptic and audio guidance. The robot, designed to foster sustained attention and encourage rhythmic breathing, may offer a novel, multidimensional approach that addresses compliance issues and supports deeper engagement in mindfulness meditation.
The study primarily seeks to answer the question: Does robot-guided meditation, combining both haptic and audio guidance, improve the sleep quality of older adults living alone with subjective cognitive decline more effectively than traditional audio-based mindfulness meditation guidance? Furthermore, the study examines a secondary question: Is the effect of robot-guided meditation on sleep quality mediated by reductions in stress? By investigating these questions, the research aims to offer insights into whether haptic-enabled meditation technology can overcome common barriers to mindfulness practices among older adults and serve as an innovative tool to improve physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being.
Full description
While traditional app-based mindfulness meditation programs relying solely on audio guidance have shown potential benefits for older adults, the apps often face challenges such as low compliance. Participants frequently report difficulties in maintaining focus during meditation sessions, which can limit its effectiveness in improving outcomes such as stress reduction and sleep quality. Recognizing these limitations, this study explores whether a haptic-enabled handheld robot can enhance meditation practices by providing both haptic and audio guidance. The robot, designed to foster sustained attention and encourage rhythmic breathing, may offer a novel, multidimensional approach that addresses compliance issues and supports deeper engagement in mindfulness meditation.
The study primarily seeks to answer the question: Does robot-guided meditation, combining both haptic and audio guidance, improve the sleep quality of older adults living alone with subjective cognitive decline more effectively than traditional audio-based mindfulness meditation guidance? Furthermore, the study examines a secondary question: Is the effect of robot-guided meditation on sleep quality mediated by reductions in stress? By investigating these questions, the research aims to offer insights into whether haptic-enabled meditation technology can overcome common barriers to mindfulness practices among older adults and serve as an innovative tool to improve physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being.
Aim 1: This aim will evaluate the effectiveness of robot-guided meditation, a novel approach that combines haptic feedback and audio guidance, in reducing stress levels among older adults living alone with subjective cognitive decline. Stress levels will be measured using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). The haptic-enabled intervention aims to enhance focus, engagement, and stress reduction more effectively than audio-only methods, addressing challenges like low adherence and distraction in mindfulness practices.
Aim 2: This aim explores the role of stress reduction as a mediator between robot-guided meditation and improved sleep quality. Sleep will be assessed through the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Fitbit data, measuring self-reported and objective sleep outcomes like restlessness and time awake. The study will clarify whether reduced stress drives better sleep outcomes.
Aim 3: This aim will examine adherence to and usability of the robot-guided meditation intervention. Adherence will be tracked through self-reported practice logs and usage data. By evaluating how older adults interact with and engage with this technology, the study will provide insights into the practicality of implementing this approach for individuals experiencing subjective cognitive decline.
Enrollment
Sex
Ages
Volunteers
Inclusion criteria
- Participants have subjective cognitive decline, assessed using the Subjective Cognitive Decline Questionnaire (SCD-Q)
Exclusion criteria
- Participants do not have dementia or mild cognitive impairment.
- To exclude significant cognitive impairment, investigators will utilize the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).
Trial design
Primary purpose
Allocation
Interventional model
Masking
100 participants in 2 patient groups
Trial contacts and locations
Loading...
Central trial contact
Chien-Ming Huang, PhD
Data sourced from clinicaltrials.gov
Clinical trials
Research sites
Resources
Legal