Aging Well by Being Connected - Phase 1
Phase: NA
Conditions: Aging Well
Sponsor: TOPMED

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Ageing well by being connected - Phase 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Presented to the Véritas IRB Research Ethics Committee 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TOPMED  
 
 
 Version 03 
Approved in French on September 8th 2023 
Translated on June 25th 2025 
NCT06076148 

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SCHEDULED START AND END DATES 
From January 01, 2023 to November 01, 2023. 
RESEARCH PROJECT TITLE 
Ageing well by being connected - Phase 1 
RESEARCH PROJECT DESCRIPTION 
Problematic (Summarize the problematic that applies to your research) 
Older people contribute to society in many ways. However, the contribution they make is highly 
dependent on one key characteristic: their overall health. Whether people enjoy good health or 
experience a decline in capacity, their activities or impact on society will not be the same. This is 
why the World Health Organization has issued recommendations on the importance of healthy 
aging. Health has many facets: physical health, cognitive health and mental health. 
At present, healthcare systems are often focused on reaction, i.e. when problems have already 
begun to appear, whereas it is widely known that the effort used to react to an economic impact 
is greater than that used to work on prevention. In this project, we aim to adopt a preventive and 
supportive approach from a life-course perspective, adapting our developments to evolve with 
people as they age.  
State of knowledge and project relevance (Indicate the current state of knowledge and the 
project's relevance to it) 
According to Statistics Canada, the country is experiencing its biggest increase in seniors in 70 
years [1]. Indeed, Canadian forecasts confirm a gradual rise in the population aged 85 and over, 
from 770,000 in 2016, or 2.2% of the total population, to an estimated 2.7 million in 2051, or 
5.7% of the total population [2]. This increase is the result of two factors: baby-boomers have 
been starting to turn 65 since 2011, and life expectancy has increased in recent decades, reaching 
80 for men and 84 for women. In Quebec, people over 65 represent 19.7% of the general 
population, and will account for around 27% by 2051 [3]. 
Aging is a biosocial process that causes a non-linear and non-constant deterioration in the 
function of physiological systems associated with anatomical and structural changes. Specifically, 
age-related physiological and cognitive changes can be observed in body composition, 
cardiorespiratory capacity, the musculoskeletal system, the central nervous system and brain, 
and the sensory and perceptual system [4, 5]. All these changes have a major impact on motor 
and cognitive skills. Overall, from a motor point of view, aging leads to an increase in movement 
time, with walking speed gradually slowing down, a reduction in postural maintenance, and 
difficulties in controlling static balance and adjusting to disturbing elements. All these changes 
increase the risk of falls, and more than a quarter of people aged 65 and over living at home fall 
at least once a year [6]. These falls have serious consequences for the health and quality of life of 
the elderly, sometimes leading to serious injury, loss of autonomy or even death. 
Cognitively, processes related to memory, attention and processing speed are often affected, but 
not all forms of expression of these functions are equally affected. For example, selective 
attention, assessed by the ability to inhibit an automatic response (e.g., reading a word in the 
Stroop test), and divided attention required to perform concurrent tasks (e.g., driving while 
adjusting one's radio) are forms of attention that are particularly sensitive to age, while visual 
search (e.g., identifying a target among distractors) is rather spared. In the field of memory, 
immediate or very short-term recall of information declines with age, while for long-term 
memory, voluntary and explicit recall of new information is more affected than implicit recall. 
Empirical evidence also supports the view that higher cognitive functions are affected, such as 
arithmetic and problem-solving skills [7].  

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Together, these physical and cognitive deteriorations, whether progressive or sudden, lead to 
functional limitation, disability and, ultimately, death. This decline is gradual and varies from 
individual to individual, depending on genetics, morphology, cognitive reserve and functional 
characteristics [4, 5, 8].  
Most health problems in old age are linked to chronic conditions, particularly non-communicable 
diseases. Many of these can be prevented or delayed by adopting healthy behaviors. A better 
understanding of the mechanisms underlying aging has revealed the plasticity of the aging 
process [9]. At present, there is no pharmacological treatment for age-related dysfunctions, but 
certain non-pharmacological interventions have been shown to be effective in reducing the 
incidence of age-related diseases, improving quality of life and increasing life expectancy. Physical 
exercise and nutrition are the most effective non-pharmacological interventions for this purpose 
[4, 9]. 
In Canada, 82% of adults aged 35 to 49, 83% aged 50 to 64 and 88% aged 65 and over are 
sedentary or very inactive [10]. Yet the World Health Organization's (WHO) health guidelines 
suggest at least 150 minutes of activity every week, with a minimum 10-minute session of 
moderate-to-high-intensity aerobic training [11]. The physiological benefits of physical exercise 
have been demonstrated for all populations. It has been associated with improved 
cardiorespiratory fitness, balance control, muscle strength and function in the elderly, as well as 
a reduction in coronary heart disease and type II diabetes [12]. In addition, exercise is linked to 
the likelihood of living longer with independence and a good quality of life [5, 13]. 
However, it can be difficult to get people to participate on a regular basis for a number of reasons, 
not least motivational: lack of interest, overestimation of their own condition, lack of knowledge 
about the benefits of activities, etc. [14]. In fact, one of our partner organizations, Groupe Maurice, 
which has indoor training rooms as well as outdoor exercise equipment, has noted this 
motivational problem in the use of the material resources made available to their residents. It is 
therefore important to work on the motivational, playful and social aspects of physical and 
cognitive exercise, while promoting autonomy. Technologies, especially immersive ones, could be 
one of the solutions to the motivational aspect, in addition to working on the social isolation 
aspect.  
Over the past two decades, technology has become an increasingly important part of our daily 
lives. With the pandemic, the adoption and integration of technology into daily life has grown 
exponentially, and this is true for people of all ages. Indeed, technology has been integrated, 
optimized or enhanced in many aspects of our lives, such as e-schooling, telecommuting, e-
commerce, communication, health and well-being, etc. Embracing new technologies can work to 
our advantage, enabling us to lead healthier lives. Wearable technology and apps can help 
increase physical and cognitive activity and achieve health and fitness goals, while online tools 
allow us to track our health and stay in touch with family and friends [15-17]. As technology 
evolves, it continues to offer new benefits. Whether it's helping older people cope with issues such 
as social isolation or motivating us to set and achieve new goals, there's no doubt that technology 
can help us in many positive ways as we age, including immersive technologies. Immersive 
technologies involve immersing the user in an environment with which they are able to interact 
using their sensory and sensorimotor abilities. These technologies include augmented reality 
(AR), virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality. 
At present, healthcare systems are often focused on reaction and therefore on the last two 
aspects, whereas it is widely known that the effort used to react to an economic impact is greater 
than that used to work on prevention [18].  
Research objectives (Describe research objectives, hypotheses or questions) 
With this project, we want to adopt a preventive and supportive approach to life-course 
management, adapting our developments to evolve with people as they age.  

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The primary aim of this research is therefore to gain a better understanding of the new generation 
of older people, their expectations and needs, in order to optimize intervention solutions and 
improve the range of tools available for healthy aging. 
The second objective is to develop a methodology (a program) to increase the prevention and 
limitation of physical and cognitive capacity loss, based on the results of the previous objective. 
 
Financing 
The project is funded by NSERC's Applied Research and Technology Partnerships (ARTP) 
program. 
 
Partner companies 
Fédération de l'Âge d'Or du Québec (FADOQ) 
Fédération Québécoise des Loisirs en Institution 
SEC Fonds Immobiliers Groupe Maurice 
 
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 
Research location 
Group interviews can be conducted in several different settings. On the one hand, they will be 
conducted on Topmed's premises at Collège Mérici, 755 Grande-Allée Ouest, Quebec City. On the 
other hand, they can be carried out outside the Topmed structure. To this end, partners may 
contact the research team to identify locations that could serve as host structures. 
Measurement, evaluation and data collection instruments (Indicate which instruments will 
be used or developed, specify their nature, specify for what purposes (variables measured) they 
will be used and attach information where available on the instruments (website links, interview 
forms, etc.). 
To meet the objective of identifying participants' needs and expectations in terms of activities, a 
mixed method is envisaged, combining a quantitative approach (individual questionnaires) and 
a qualitative one (group interviews).  
 
RV 50+ part 
Preliminary part of the study 
The first questionnaire is a preliminary to the group interviews. It will be in digital form, and will 
be completed individually before the test sessions. The aim is to provide a preliminary profile of 
the participants, highlighting their interests, abilities and motivations. It will be available two 
weeks (2) before the group interview, to give participants enough time to complete it. 
The following sections are included in the questionnaire: 
• 
Consent and future research projects ; 
• 
Personal information ; 
• 
State of health (Questionnaire on physical fitness for activity) 
• 
Activity habits and preferences 
• 
Technologies and exergames 

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• 
Virtual leisure activities 
• 
Virtual games 
The online questionnaire will be created using the LimeSurvey platform. The processed 
information will be hosted in Canada on the platform's encrypted servers (Secure Socket Layer 
procedure), which comply with the RGPD standard. 
Following the preliminary questionnaire, group interviews will be held around the theme of 
immersive technology. The aim of these groups is twofold. Firstly, to introduce and test different 
technologies through selected games. Secondly, the aim is to gather preferences and impressions 
of the immersive technologies and games that have been tried out.  
Meeting 1 - Discussion group - Individual game format 
During the session, a balance test will be carried out using the TUG test to determine the position 
(sitting or standing) for participants to try out the games. 
Then, in groups of 6 to 8 people, participants will try out three games corresponding to the 
following themes: a cognitive game, a physical activity game and a relaxation game. The games 
will be tested in both sitting and standing positions. They will be asked to mobilize both upper 
and lower limbs 
 
Following the tests, a discussion (1h10min) will be held on the following topics 
• 
Satisfaction with the experience  
• 
Integrating virtual reality  
• 
The acceptability of this technology 
 
At the end of the session, a second post-group interview questionnaire will be completed on site. This 
will be in both paper and digital form. Its purpose will be to document the evolution of participants' 
perceptions of immersive technologies, and to ask them if they would like to take part in another group 
interview. 
The questionnaire will cover the following topics: 
• 
Activity preferences 
• 
Technologies and exergames 
• 
Virtual leisure activities 
• 
Virtual physical activities 
• 
Virtual games 
• 
Continuation of the project 
Rencontre 2- Discussion group-Collaborative games formula 
During the session, a balance test will again be carried out. The second trial session will focus on 
collaborative games and will involve 4 participants. During this session, participants will test two 
games chosen for their social and communicative characteristics. Similarly, the games will be 
tried out in both sitting and standing positions. Participants will also be asked to mobilize their 
upper and lower limbs.  
Following the tests, questions on : 
• 
Satisfaction with the experience ; 
• 
Integrating virtual reality ; 
• 
The acceptability of this technology. 
 
At the end of the session, the post-group interview questionnaire will be completed on site. It will be 
presented in both paper and digital versions. Its purpose will be to document the evolution of 
participants' perceptions of immersive technologies. 

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The questionnaire will cover the following topics: 
• 
Activity preferences 
• 
Technologies and exergames 
• 
Virtual leisure activities 
• 
Virtual physical activities 
• 
Virtual games 
• 
Continuation of the project 
 
Estimated duration of participants' activities 
RV 50+ part 
Pre-focus group questionnaire: 20 minutes 
• 
FIC reading: 10 minutes 
• 
Completion: 10 minutes 
Duration for one (1) discussion group: 2h20min 
• 
Reading and explanation of the FIC: 10 minutes 
• 
Balance test: 10 minutes 
• 
Virtual reality game testing: 40 minutes 
• 
Experience sharing: 70 minutes 
• 
Post focus group questionnaire: 10 minutes 
For two (2) Focus Groups: 4h40min 
• 
Reading and explanation of the FIC: 20 minutes 
• 
Balance tests: 20 minutes 
• 
Equipment testing: 80  
• 
Discussions: 140 minutes 
• 
End questionnaire: 20 minutes 
 
 
HUMAN, ANIMAL 
OR LIVING MATERIAL 
VOLUNTEER PARTICIPATION (number, 
characteristics (e.g. age, species), inclusion and/or exclusion criteria, recruitment method if 
applicable) 
RV 50+ part 
The recruitment pool will be formed from all seniors (non-members or members of FQLI, FADOQ, 
as well as residents of Le Groupe Maurice) who have responded to our recruitment ads in 
traditional and social media.  
As far as the quantitative aspect is concerned, the questionnaire precedes the focus group. The 
recruitment pool is therefore the same as that of the focus groups.  
On the qualitative side, we'll be recruiting around fifty (50) people aged 50 and over, with a 
proportional number in each age group: 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-74, 75 and over. We'll set up 
focus groups around the virtual reality game trials, made up of 4 to 8 people. 
Inclusion criteria 

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RV part  
• 
Be aged 50 or over 
• 
Being autonomous 
 
Exclusion criteria 
The following criteria apply to both the RV 50+ section and the intergenerational exchange 
section. The children's criterion applies only to the intergenerational exchange section. 
• 
The experimental nature of the research requires participants to be fully physically fit. 
Consequently, people with functional limitations cannot participate in the study 
• 
Group interviews require the sharing of experience, which presupposes the participation 
of people capable of communicating their opinions and reflecting collectively on their 
experiences. Thus, people with cognitive impairments are excluded from the research 
• 
In view of the technology used for the research, people at risk of epilepsy cannot take part 
in this project 
• 
Also, people with pacemakers are not eligible to participate in this research 
SCIENTIFIC JUSTIFICATION FOR USING LIVE VOLUNTEERS 
The participation of human volunteers representative of the clientele is essential in the phase of 
identifying needs and expectations in terms of activities and intervention methods according to 
age. This will enable us to develop physical and cognitive activity programs adapted to age and 
personal abilities in the next phase. 
The participation of teenagers (minors aged between 13 and 17) and adults is essential in the 
phase dealing with intergenerational bonding, exchange and sharing. This will then enable us to 
understand if and how immersive technology can support and foster the relationship between 
different generations, and thus influence the inclusion and active participation of all. 
RECRUITMENT 
RV 50+ part 
In order to be representative of Quebec's 50+ population, posters will be displayed among Groupe 
Maurice residents, members of FQLI (Fédération québécoise du loisir en institution) and FADOQ 
(Fédération de l'Âge d'Or du Québec), in traditional media and on social media. In addition, will 
be posted on paper and electronically to target audiences and in cultural, community, sports and 
leisure venues, as well as in grocery stores where appropriate. Where necessary, members of the 
research team will visit the various locations to make the information more accessible. In 
addition, the TOPMED team may contact people who have previously expressed an interest in 
participating in a research project . 
Potential participants can express their interest by calling or writing to TOPMED. A member of 
the project team will contact them to answer questions, ensure eligibility, forward documentation 
and/or arrange a telephone appointment at a later date if required. 
The research team will then send an e-mail containing a link to the information and consent form 
and a physical activity questionnaire. Participants will be given  two (2) weeks to review the 
documents and ask any questions they may have.  Potential participants may contact the research 
team at any time if they have any questions or require assistance. A member of the research team 
will then be responsible for verifying the completion of the forms and the answers to the 
questionnaire. 
The preliminary questionnaire for group interviews and a link to a booking calendar for group 
interviews will then be sent by e-mail. 

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A question about participating in future projects will be included in the pre-interview 
questionnaire. The participant is free to accept or decline. 
During group interview meetings, the information and consent form will be reminded and re-
explained. The physical activity aptitude questionnaire will be completed again and signed by the 
participant. The activity will then begin. 
MEASURES AND STRATEGIES PLANNED FOR THE PROTECTION OF VULNERABLE PERSONS 
OR PERSONS WITH A DEPENDENT RELATIONSHIP (if volunteers are minors or adults under 
guardianship or trusteeship, or if they have a client-professional, student-teacher or employee-
employer relationship with a member of the research team) 
We'll explain the steps in the process, the level of participation and the risks involved to people 
aged 50 and over, legal representatives and minors.  In this project, all participants are recruited 
on a voluntary basis. In addition, we will ensure that we have the minor's assent during the 
research activity to ensure the voluntary nature of their participation. 
The data acquired will be coded for all participants. 
RISKS AND DISADVANTAGES AND PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES (physical, 
psychological, social, professional risks, inconvenience due to travel, anxiety, etc.) 
• 
As regards completion of the preliminary questionnaire for the group interviews, there is 
no risk associated with participation. 
• 
Regarding the group interview: As far as we know, apart from the time spent on the 
interview, your participation in this study will not cause you any physical or psychological 
harm. However, it is possible that the discussion of certain themes may make you feel 
uncomfortable or uneasy. In this case, you are entirely free not to answer certain 
questions. If necessary, you may be referred to appropriate support resources. Despite 
our efforts to ensure the confidentiality of group discussions, certain risks inherent this 
type of consultation cannot be avoided. In other words, the research team cannot 
guarantee that each group participant will keep the information exchanged confidential. 
• 
Creative workshops include the use of drawing, writing and craft materials. More 
specifically, materials include the following: pencils, paper, newspapers, magazines, fiber 
threads, beads, glue, cardboard, scissors, sticky paper, fabric, tongue depressors. The glue 
used will be school glue, water-washable and non-toxic, permanent and odorless. Scissors 
may present a cutting hazard. To avoid this risk, scissors will be round-tipped with 
stainless steel blades. 
• 
There are also risks associated with the use of immersive technologies. More specifically, 
discomfort linked to the graphics and the conflicting, multi-sensory aspect of immersion 
sessions could arise when using immersive technologies. This discomfort could take the 
form of cyberkinetosis akin to motion sickness, affecting participants to varying degrees: 
visual fatigue and headaches, temporary loss of visuo-spatial cues and dizziness, or 
nausea and even vagal discomfort. Although these symptoms are generally not serious, 
they should of course be spotted, and short sessions will be held to prevent them. In 
addition, the experimenter will be on hand at all times to ensure the participant's well-
being. To this end, the members of the research team present will regularly ask questions 
about the sensations felt by the participant when trying out the activities. At the end of 
the focus groups, participants will be able to rest in a suitable space until any symptoms 
have disappeared. A member of the research team will remain with the participant for as 
long as necessary. 
• 
Participants with pacemakers or at risk of epilepsy could experience more serious events 
and should therefore be withdrawn from the workshops.  
 
 

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Known or foreseeable risk(s)   
Frequency 
and 
severity   
Proposed mitigation measures    
Warnings   
All the risks below are related to the use of immersive 
technologies.   
They are presented under four themes:   
1. Cyberkinetosis   
2. Consequences for the sensorimotor system   
3. Disruption of circadian rhythms   
4. Epilepsy    
Prevention:    
-Dress lightly to limit the rise in body 
temperature.  
-Knowledge and control of symptoms by 
the research team   
-Continuous 
questioning 
about 
the 
presence of symptoms   
- Controlling and limiting exposure time   
- Space for participants to rest after the 
trial   
If appearance:   
-Pause or stop test   
  
Applicable to all symptoms:   
-Members of the research team are 
certified in first aid.  
-A 
snack 
will 
be 
distributed 
after 
participation to prevent discomfort.   
Three warnings for all symptoms:   
-Light clothing must be provided  
-Be aware that using headphones can 
mess up your hair   
-Symptoms 
may 
persist 
after 
exposure.   
-Allow an hour to two hours' rest after 
play trials.   
-No strenuous or prolonged physical 
exercise after the trial session   
-No driving for the duration of 
symptoms   
Topic 1. Cyberkinetosis   
(Symptoms 
similar 
to 
motion 
sickness)   
(includes 
pallor, 
malaise, 
visual
disturbances, 
disorientation, 
headaches, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, 
vomiting, 
tachycardia, 
hypersalivation)     
  
Cyberkinetosis 
is 
thought to affect 30-
50% 
of 
users. 
Symptoms 
generally 
appear within the first 
5 
minutes 
and 
disappear rapidly.   
  
-People 
considered 
sensitive: 
pregnant 
women; 
people 
with 
vestibular disorders; people suffering 
from motion sickness; people with 
postural 
static 
anomalies 
and 
dynamic balance with proprioception 
disorders;   
Migraine 
sufferers; 
people 
with 
oculomotor disorders; people with 
anxiety or anxiety attacks.   
-Appearance in relation to content 
and visual field requested   
Impaired vision   
Proven risk   
See measurements at the beginning of the 
table   
  

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Fatigue and eye strain   
Proven risk   
  
See measurements at the beginning of the 
table    
  
Head/eye pain discomfort   
Proven risk   
  
See measurements at the beginning of the 
table   
  
Pallor   
Proven risk   
  
See measurements at the beginning of the 
table   
  
Dizziness and vertigo   
Proven risk   
  
-Ask participants to eat lightly before the 
physical test session to prevent the onset of 
symptoms.   
  
Excessive sweating   
Proven risk   
  
See measurements at the beginning of the 
table   
  
Feeling of discomfort   
Proven risk   
  
See measurements at the beginning of the 
table   
  
Nausea   
Proven risk   
  
-Ask participants to eat lightly before the 
test session to prevent the onset of 
symptoms.   
  
Saliva increase   
Proven risk   
  
See measurements at the beginning of the 
table   
  
Disorientation   
Proven risk   
  
See measurements at the beginning of the 
table   
  
Tachycardia   
Proven risk   
  
See measurements at the beginning of the 
table   
Wearing a pacemaker or cardiac 
pacemaker is an exclusion criterion.  
Loss of consciousness   
Proven risk   
  
See measurements at the beginning of the 
table   
  
Topic 2. Sensorimotor consequences 
(impaired manual dexterity, ability to 
orientate the body)    
The risks presented 
under this theme are 
present and recognized 
in the literature.   
  
  
  
Contraction of eyes or muscles   
Proven risk   
  
See measurements at the beginning of the 
table   
  
Hand-eye coordination disorder   
Proven risk   
  
See measurements at the beginning of the 
table   
  
Involuntary movements   
Proven risk   
  
Prevention: Warm-up and stretching time 
before and after the trial   
  

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Balance disorders   
Proven risk   
  
Suggested sitting, hydration   
  
Theme 3. Disruption of circadian 
rhythms (sleep onset, sleep time)   
The risks presented 
under this theme are 
present and recognized 
in the literature.   
  
  
-People 
considered 
sensitive: 
aphakics (lack of crystalline lens) and 
pseudophakics 
(artificial 
lens); 
people suffering from eye pathologies 
or abnormalities; people suffering 
from 
sleep 
disorders; 
people 
suffering 
from 
photosensitive 
epilepsy.   
Sleepiness   
Proven risk   
  
See measurements at the beginning of the 
table   
  
Sleep time   
Proven risk   
  
See measurements at the beginning of the 
table   
-For people sensitive to blue light, 
avoid screens two hours before going 
to bed.   
Topic 4. Epilepsy   
  
  
  
Epileptic seizures   
Proven risk   
  
-Pre-diagnosed 
epileptic 
risk 
is 
an 
exclusion criterion.   
-Taking neuroleptics favors the onset 
of epileptic episodes. This constitutes 
a contraindication to participation in 
the study.   
Adapted from ANSES. (2021). Effets sanitaires potentiels liés à l’exposition aux technologies de réalité virtuelle et/ou augmentée. Collective expertise 
report 
 
  

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Mitigation measures : 
• 
Monitoring symptoms of cyberkinetosis 
• 
If they wish, they can end their participation in the group interview at any time. 
• 
Snacks distributed to all participants 
ADVANTAGES AND BENEFITS (personal benefit of their participation in the project, benefit to 
the project of their participation) 
RV 50+ part 
Volunteers' participation will not provide them with any immediate benefit other than a space to 
share their experience with immersive technologies. However, if this possibility exists, the 
research team cannot guarantee it. Their participation will enable us to gather empirical data on 
the interests of people aged 50 and over in physical activities and immersive technologies. This is 
an advantage for TOPMED and its partners.  
FREE AND INFORMED CONSENT (Describe the means used to inform volunteers about the 
project and obtain their written consent) 
RV 50+ part 
The sample will be purposive. The recruitment pool will be formed following an invitation sent 
to all seniors (non-members or members of FQLI, FADOQ, as well as residents of Groupe Maurice) 
who responded to our recruitment advertisements in traditional and social media.  
For the preliminary focus group questionnaire, the consent form will be presented in a digital 
version sent by email, and will be integrated directly into the digital version of the collection tool. 
A question on interest in participating is included in the preliminary questionnaire, and the 
participant is free to accept or refuse. Participants will be given two (2) weeks to read and reflect 
before being contacted again. At the end of this period, the participant will be recontacted in order 
to set up the dates for his or her participation in the group interviews. 
During group interviews, the content of the information form will be reminded at the beginning 
of the meeting. At the end of the group interview, a questionnaire will be distributed containing 
a section on future research projects. The participant is free to accept or refuse. 
Participants may terminate their participation at any time without negative consequences or 
prejudice and without having to justify their decision. In this case, participants must inform the 
responsible researcher or a member of the research team. Thereafter, all material allowing the 
identification of the participant and the data provided will be destroyed, unless the participant 
authorizes the researcher to use them for the research despite the withdrawal. In this case, they 
will be preserved according to the measures described below, which will be applied to all 
participants. 
 
CONFIDENTIALITY AND PROTECTION OF PERSONAL INFORMATION (Describe the measures 
envisaged for data protection (type of media, retention period, means of ensuring security). 
The information collected in the questionnaires and during the sessions is confidential, coded and 
will be used only for the purposes of this research project, unless otherwise agreed by the 
participant. The participant's name and those mentioned during the interviews will be replaced 
by a code in the form of a number. 
Only members of the research team (all subject to confidentiality) will have access to participants' 
identifying information and encrypted research data will have access to the list containing names 
and codes, itself kept separate from the research material, data and information and consent 
forms. 

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Data recovered on paper will be stored in a crossed-out binder at TOPMED at Mérici Collégial 
Privé, 755 Grande Allée Ouest, Québec, Qc, G1S 1C1. 
All data collected is encrypted on servers, and the encryption key will be kept in the office of the 
TOPMED researcher in charge. 
Unless required by law, we will not disclose or publish any information that may directly or 
indirectly reveal your identity without your prior explicit consent. 
Audiovisual recordings will only be viewed by members of the research team and will not be 
distributed. 
The data acquired by the producers of headsets and games may contain : 
• 
Video data 
• 
Audio data 
• 
Data associated with user movements 
• 
Data on users' physical environment 
This technology cannot be used without data exchange with these companies. To maximize 
participant confidentiality, we will implement the following solutions: 
• 
Explanation of FIC in a separate room without helmets 
• 
User accounts on behalf of TOPMED 
• 
No use of participants' names or any personal identifying information aloud in the 
presence of headsets (microphones and cameras) 
• 
Separating screens to protect participants' identities 
Data will be stored in encrypted form for a period of five (5) years, then anonymized in a database 
for retention for a period of ten (10) years for reference statistics. If data is stored on a USB key 
or other external medium, it will be encrypted. 
Results will be coded. Participants will not be identified by name in the results, but will be 
identified by number. Any scientific publication resulting from this research project will present 
data in aggregate form, so that individual participants' results will never be communicated. 
Should the research team use extracts from verbatims, the participants' names will be replaced 
by a number.      
DATA ACCESS 
All research data will be accessible to the project team. Project sponsors will not have access to 
research data. Participants will not have access to research data. The Research Ethics Committee, 
Veritas IRB, will have access to research data for verification in the event of a complaint. Where 
appropriate, data will be made available to them for viewing only via videoconferencing. 
CONTINUOUS EXAMINATION 
Should any inconvenience arise following group interviews and the testing of immersive 
technologies, participants will be promptly notified. 
DISSEMINATING RESULTS 
No disclosure to patients will be made following the focus groups and questionnaires. 
Results will not be published. 
 
 

14 
 
COMPENSATION  
No remuneration is provided for participants. 
DISASSEMBLY 
Part VR 50+ 
There is no financial compensation for taking part in the preliminary questionnaire. 
Financial compensation of $25 is provided for participation in each meeting ($50 in all). If 
necessary, a parking sticker may be provided for the duration of the participant's attendance at 
group interviews. 
RESPONSIBILITIES 
The legal rights of each participant will be maintained. 
 
 SEQUENCE  
 
RV 50+ part 
 
Process and data collection 
 
Display 
Postings in Groupe Maurice residences, among members of the FQLI (Fédération québécoise des 
loisirs en institution) and the FADOQ (Fédération de l'Âge d'Or du Québec) via traditional and 
social media, as well as in cultural, community, sports, leisure and food centers. 
Related documents : 
V4_Affiche_407_2023 
407_Affich-Recrut 
 
 
Admission 
Validation by e-mail or telephone. 
Interested parties can register their interest by e-mail or telephone call to TOPMED at the 
coordinates indicated in the recruitment notice.  
Verification of eligibility criteria (age, ability to answer a questionnaire and give an opinion) and 
exclusion criteria (pacemaker wearer, epileptic risk) by a member of the research team.  
Related document: 
407_LabInt_Courriel 
 
Validation for participation in FG 
Once the interest has been validated and the eligibility and exclusion criteria have been verified, 
the information documents for the FG will be sent to the participants. A physical activity aptitude 
questionnaire will be sent at the same time as the CIF. A member of the research team will follow 
up on the completion of this questionnaire. 

15 
 
Participants will be asked to provide details via a questionnaire to be completed before the FG 
date. 
Documents will be sent electronically, and a two-week lead time will be given before scheduling 
meeting dates for focus groups. 
 
Related documents : 
FIC 
Q-AAP+  2023 
Lime Survey _407_Preliminary-FG_TI 
 
Meeting 1 and 2-Group meetings 
Balance test: 10 minutes 
Virtual reality games trial: 45 minutes  
Discussion: Feedback questions on game testing: 1h10min 
End questionnaire: 10 minutes 
Participation compensation : 
Amount: $25 per group interview 
A parking sticker is available if required. 
 
Related documents: 
407_LlabInt_Balance test 
407_LlabInt_Questionnaire_Post-FG_V1 
0407_LabInt_Question FG_participants_v1 
0407_LLabInt_Fg_Sympoma_Control_TI 
 
Data processing 
Compilation of questionnaires 
Compilation of group interviews 
 
Data analysis