Reminiscence Technology Balance and Mobility

This study evaluates the feasibility of a larger randomized controlled trial to examine the effect of reminiscence aided physical activity on the balance and mobility of older adults living in long term care. The study uses the jDome BikeAround system, which is a stationary bicycle with a projector screen that runs google earth, as the user bicycles, the map progresses giving the appearance that the user is bicycling through the environment chosen. Half of the participants will use the system during the first 6 week campaign, there will then be a 6 week washout period. Following the washout period, there will be a second 6 week campaign when the other half of the participants will use the jDome BikeAround system.

Physical activity has been shown to have numerous benefits for physical well-being and function. Stationary cycling is one example of physical activity that can provide opportunities for residents who are inactive, living in long term care and are at high risk for falls.

The use of jDome BikeAround provides older adults in long term care an opportunity to engage in a motivating reminiscence activity that is coupled with physical activity. Participants will be divided into two groups, one group will take part in jDome BikeAround sessions 3x per week for 6 weeks in addition to The Glebe Centre's Fall Prevention program, while the second group will just participant in Fall Prevention program. There will be a 6 week wash out, then the second cohort will participant in the jDome Bike Around sessions 3x a week in addition to the Fall Prevention program while the first cohort will just participate in the Fall Prevention Program.

Participants will have their balance, mobility, leg strength, endurance tested as well as a tracking of fall risks at the beginning and end of each of the jDome BikeAround sessions (4 measurement points). Feasibility will be determined by the ability to enroll an adequate number of participants, protocol completion by participants, and the number of adverse events.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Scott fall risk of 2-17 (this is the current range used by the Glebe Centre, there have been 0 falls during transportation to the equipment and during each session of the BikeAround system)
* Sufficient visual abilities to observe images on the domed screen
* Able to comprehend and communicate in English.
* Adequate attentional capacity to remain focused on the pedalling task.
* Minimum height requirement of 5'2" or 157cm in order to successfully fit the BikeAround system's stationary bike.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Physical limitations (as determined by the Glebe Centre healthcare/physiotherapy team) that prevent use of the jDome bike.
* Cognitive impairment (as determined by the Glebe Centre healthcare/physiotherapy team) Inability to sustain attention Inability to follow one-step commands.
* Known behavioural abnormalities (e.g. overly aggressive behavior) that in the opinion of the clinical care team might impede any meaningful participation in the project
* Those who are in the opinion of attending physician or clinical team too unwell to participate in the project
* Fully unable to complete outcome measures indicated (Section 7, Outcomes)