2020 Volume 10 Issue 3 Pages 131-136
Robot-assisted activity (RAA) is a countermeasure for mental health problems among the elderly by providing pleasure and relaxation through interaction with robots. To clarify the immediate effects of RAA with a communication robot on elderly people. This study included12elderly women with no orthopedic or nervous system disorders, motor deficits, or sensory disorders. Participants received5minutes of RAA using a communication robot, and their neurophysiological indices were assessed. Emotions and mood states were measured following RAA. Moreover, restingstate EEG activity as indicated by alpha power, beta power, and the relative power index (alpha/beta) was assessed on Fz and Pz before and after RAA. Our results demonstrate that participants felt more positive emotions and mood states, such as “warm”and “fun,”after RAA. However, the resting state brain activity of the participants did not change after RAA. This study suggests that RAA with a communication robot modulates psychological factors in elderly women. Thus,RAA with a communication robot may be useful in supporting the mental health of elderly women.
