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. 2024 Dec 6:6:1449699.
doi: 10.3389/fspor.2024.1449699. eCollection 2024.

The "FitBrain" program: implementing exergaming & dual-task exercise programs in outpatient clinical settings

Ryan M Glatt  1 , Corwin Patis  1 , Karen J Miller  1 , David A Merrill  1   2   3 , Brendon Stubbs  4   5 , Manuela Adcock  6   7 , Eleftheria Giannouli  7 , Prabha Siddarth  1   3
Affiliations

The "FitBrain" program: implementing exergaming & dual-task exercise programs in outpatient clinical settings

Ryan M Glatt et al. Front Sports Act Living. .

Abstract

Dual-task training and exergaming interventions are increasingly recognized for their potential to enhance cognitive, physical, and mood outcomes among older adults and individuals with neurological conditions. Despite this, clinical and community programs that use these interventions are limited in availability. This paper presents the "FitBrain" program, an outpatient clinical model that combines dual-task and exergaming interventions to promote cognitive and physical health. We review the scientific rationale supporting these methods, detail the structure and methodology of the FitBrain program, and provide examples of session designs that integrate dual-tasking through exergaming. The paper also addresses implementation considerations, such as tailoring interventions to specific populations, ensuring user-centered design, and leveraging accessible technologies. We discuss key challenges, including limited research on programs utilizing multiple technologies and cost constraints, and propose directions for future research to refine best practices and evaluate the comparative effectiveness of multimodal vs. singular interventions. This paper aims to inform clinicians and program developers on implementing dual-task and exergaming interventions within diverse clinical and community settings by offering a structured model and practical guidelines.

Keywords: cognitive-motor dual-tasking; cognitive-motor training; dual-task; exergaming; neurological; older adults; rehabilitation; serious games.

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Conflict of interest statement

RG acts as a consultant and advisor for multiple companies mentioned in this article. The relevant companies have provided some of the equipment mentioned in this paper in-kind. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
An image of the “FitBrain program” space, with the SMARTFit technology shown with a participant balancing on a foam pad while searching for two symbols that match.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Cybercycle.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Rendeverfit.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Reaxing treadmill.
Figure 5
Figure 5
SMARTFit.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Fitlights.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Reflexion.
Figure 8
Figure 8
Blazepods.
Figure 9
Figure 9
Jintronix.
Figure 10
Figure 10
Dividat senso.
Figure 11
Figure 11
Neurotracker.
Figure 12
Figure 12
TRCare.
Figure 13
Figure 13
iPACES.
Figure 14
Figure 14
Clockyourself App.
Figure 15
Figure 15
Switchedon training App.
Figure 16
Figure 16
Virtual “FitBrain” games.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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