Usability and Acceptability of Brain Training in Older Individuals

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Assessment of the usability and acceptability of a personalised brain training application in older individuals

  • IRAS ID

    191490

  • Contact name

    Chris Nugent

  • Contact email

    cd.nugent@ulster.ac.uk

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    0 years, 4 months, 0 days

  • Research summary

    This study aims to assess the usability and acceptability of a brain training application in healthy elderly individuals. Two mobile applications will be used by each participant to complete assessments for a 4 moth period. In addition to these three paper-based questionnaires (a validated cognitive state assessment tool called the mini mental state examination (MMSE), a participant demographics and feedback questionnaire as well as a usability questionnaire (one for each mobile application) will be given to each participant.
    The first mobile application,BrightLightOn, is a novel tool for the assessment of cognitive status based on the Max Luscher colour test. BrainFit, the second mobile application, is a personalised brain training plan which recommends simple activities based on user preferences. The study will involve two groups of participants over the age of 65. As this is a usability study, a convenience sample of ten participants will use the BrainFit plan and BrightLightOn assessment tool, whilst the second group of ten participants will only use BrightLightOn. Both groups will complete the Participant Demographics and Feedback Questionnaire, Usability Questionnaires and MMSE.
    The rationale for the second group is to collate information on cognitive status from this cohort of participants which may later be looked at in comparison to a linked study with early-stage Dementia patients who are carrying out the same assessments.

  • REC name

    HSC REC A

  • REC reference

    15/NI/0224

  • Date of REC Opinion

    17 Nov 2015

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion