Game-based Training of Cognitive Functions: An Exploratory Study Involving Seniors in Switzerland

Authors

  • Sara Levati University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI), Department of Business Economics, Health and Social Care (DEASS), Manno, Switzerland https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4520-1378
  • Massimo Bortolamei University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI), Department of Innovative Technologies (DTI), Lugano, Switzerland
  • Lucia Morellini Neuropsychological and Speech Therapy Unit, Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), Lugano, Switzerland
  • Jessica Demarchi University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI), Department of Business Economics, Health and Social Care (DEASS), Manno, Switzerland
  • Matteo Metaldi University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI), Department of Innovative Technologies (DTI), Lugano, Switzerland
  • Alessandro Puiatti University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI), Department of Innovative Technologies (DTI), Lugano, Switzerland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9745-1515
  • Masiar Babazadeh University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI), Department of Innovative Technologies (DTI), Lugano, Switzerland

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.34190/ecgbl.18.1.2683

Keywords:

Game-based training, cognitive functions, cognitive decline, serious games, older people

Abstract

The aging population is resulting in a worldwide rising prevalence of individuals experiencing cognitive decline, whether it be normal age-related changes or pathological conditions. Game-based training in the form of serious games represents an alternative way to enhance cognitive functions among older people. We developed a set of games to train multiple cognitive functions of seniors, considering that their level of digital literacy can vary greatly. A participatory approach has been applied to the development process, involving a multidisciplinary research team and older people. Interviews, usability tests, and a workshop were run with ten seniors (70+) in Southern Switzerland to explore accessibility, usability, and preferences. This paper presents the development process and the games created. Six different games were designed to stimulate multiple cognitive functionalities (e.g., cognitive flexibility, attentiveness, and memory). The serious games run on a tablet. Following Laamarti’s classification, we developed the games to be applied in well-being and health areas, requiring mainly mental activities through visual modalities, played through a touchscreen in a 2D digital environment. Participants appreciated the experience and the challenges provided by the games, understanding the broader aim (cognitive functions training) and the rules, and could complete the required tasks. Feedback was provided on graphical elements (icons and colours), as well as with suggestions for improvements. The tablet appeared to be functional and relatively easy to use, even for first timers. The promising results of this participatory study pave the way for the follow-up phase of the project, which will gather data on the usage of the application and its effectiveness with a greater number of subjects.

Author Biographies

Sara Levati, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI), Department of Business Economics, Health and Social Care (DEASS), Manno, Switzerland

Sara Levati is a Nursing Science lecturer and researcher at SUPSI. She leads the SIGMA project and the development of the BeSerious gaming app for cognitive training in older adults. Her work focuses on innovations in home care services and the co-design of technology with end-users.

Massimo Bortolamei , University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI), Department of Innovative Technologies (DTI), Lugano, Switzerland

Massimo Bortolamei is a researcher at University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI), Institute of Information Systems and Networking. With a Master's Degree in Computer Science and Engineering from Politecnico di Milano, his expertise lies in XR technologies, 3D applications and games. 

Lucia Morellini, Neuropsychological and Speech Therapy Unit, Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), Lugano, Switzerland

Lucia Morellini graduated in Well-being Psychology and then completed postgraduate training in Clinical Neuropsychology. Since 2020, she has worked as a scientific collaborator in social neuroscience at USI University of Lugano and the Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland (EOC), where she also practices as a clinical psychologist specializing in neuropsychology.

Jessica Demarchi, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI), Department of Business Economics, Health and Social Care (DEASS), Manno, Switzerland

Jessica Demarchi is Research Assistant at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI). Having a Bachelor of Science in psychology with a law mention, and a Specialised Master of Science in Experimental Biomedical Research with focus on Neuroscience, she is particularly interested in healthcare AI solutions.

Matteo Metaldi, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI), Department of Innovative Technologies (DTI), Lugano, Switzerland

Matteo Metaldi completed his B.Sc. in Computer Engineering in 2022. He is a M.Sc. Computer Science student and a research assistant at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, focusing on digital health.

Alessandro Puiatti, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI), Department of Innovative Technologies (DTI), Lugano, Switzerland

Alessandro Puiatti leads the Digital Health research area at MeDiTech Institute at SUPSI and coordinates the Medical Engineering profile for the Swiss Master of Science in Engineering. His research specializes in mobile health and telemedicine systems to support diagnosis and treatment of various diseases, with particular emphasis on neurodegenerative disorders.

Masiar Babazadeh, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI), Department of Innovative Technologies (DTI), Lugano, Switzerland

Masiar Babazadeh is a lecturer and researcher at SUPSI at the Institute of Information Systems and Networking, where he is responsible for the Digital Gaming and Gamification area, and at the Media and Mint Laboratory (Department of Education and Learning), where he coordinates the research area dedicated to computational thinking.

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Published

2024-10-07