Abstract
Objective: The objective of this study was to examine whether use of a home gymnastic robot was practical to promote regular physical exercise among middle- and old- aged women.
Methods: Six females(age 64 years, SD11)with minor pain of the knee joints participated in this study. The participants were asked to practice gymnastics (knee swinging, quadriceps muscle contraction, maximum knee bending, and quarter squat) every day at home for 20 days to obtain relief from the knee pain. The robot was a ROBONOVA-I (HITEC Robotics Ltd.), which has a height of 310mm, a width of 180mm, a depth of 90mm, and a weight of 0.3kg. The robot could perform an imitation of the gymnastic exercises, and the participants practiced along with it. A focus group interview was held for all participants after the intervention period. These opinions were analyzed qualitatively.
Results: The rates of using the robot were obtained 90.4% (SD12.5) through the intervention period. The structural model for achieving regular physical exercise was identified by a focus group interview after the intervention period. It began with“a favorable impression of the robot”. Then,“positive use of the robot”was achieved through“motivation for it”,“attachment to it”, and“a feeling of camaraderie with it”.
Conclusions: The home gymnastic robot was well accepted by the middle- and old-aged women. It appears to be a useful tool for facilitating their regular physical exercise.
