Clinical Research Directory

EFFET - Study of Executive Functions Regarding the Usability and User Experience of Assistive Technologies Among the Elderly

Population aging increases the strain on healthcare systems and highlights the value of gerontechnologies in promoting the autonomy and home-based living of older adults. However, their adoption remains limited, particularly due to age-related cognitive changes. Cognitive Load Theory attributes certain difficulties in using digital technologies to the excessive demands placed on working memory. Yet, it provides limited insight into the executive functions involved in interface interaction-specifically inhibition, cognitive flexibility, and working memory updating. The concept of "executive load" may therefore provide a framework for examining examine how excessive demands on these functions affect user efficiency. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of mental flexibility on the usability of a digital interface among individuals aged 65 or older living in senior residences who have an MMSE score of ≥ 24/30. Executive functions, cognitive reserve, technology acceptance, and digital skills are assessed during an initial visit. Between 24 hours and one month later, participants perform a medical appointment-booking task on a tablet twice, using two interfaces that differ in executive load (low versus high). The order of interface presentation is randomized to control for potential order and practice effects. Performance, user experience, and cognitive load are recorded after each task. The study aims to recruit 70 participants to obtain at least 50 complete datasets. Although the study offers no direct therapeutic benefit, it is expected to help better tailor gerontechnologies to the cognitive capabilities of older adults and facilitate the design of more accessible and inclusive digital interfaces, particularly in the healthcare sector.

Older Adults, Methadone, and Cognitive Function

The increasing prevalence of opioid use disorder (OUD) among older adults, coupled with high overdose rates and cognitive impairments associated with opioid use, highlights a critical gap in addiction treatment. Cognitive impairments can persist despite treatment and negatively impact recovery outcomes, yet cognitive screening and interventions are rarely integrated into OUD care. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of remotely delivered, smartphone-based cognitive assessments (administered through NeuroUX web-based software) for older adults (55+) in methadone treatment. The tasks have been "gamified" to make them engaging and brief, which could be appealing to patients. They will complete the tasks for 15 days using the phone provided or their own phone. During days 6-15 of testing, tasks will become incrementally more difficult based on participant performance to assess the feasibility of cognitive training. Cognitive training uses engaging games or tasks to strengthen thinking skills like memory and focus, much like physical exercise strengthens the body. Adherence, acceptability, and usability of the tasks will be assessed. Secondary analyses will explore relationships between task performance and participant characteristics (e.g., baseline cognitive functioning, methadone dose, timing of methadone dose). Findings from this pilot study will provide foundational data for a future grant application to develop and test digital cognitive assessment and training interventions tailored to older adults in addiction treatment. By addressing a critical yet understudied aspect of OUD care this research has the potential to enhance treatment engagement, improve clinical outcomes, and support long-term recovery in the growing older population.

Automated IADL Sensing to Refine Measurement of Older Adult Daily Activity

The instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) refer to complex daily activities required for adult independence, such as preparing a meal or taking medications. This study will assess the efficacy of sensing technologies (smartwatch, computer vision, eye tracking) for recognizing IADL activities in naturalistic settings and score performance relative to ratings from occupational therapists. If successful in assessing the efficiency of IADL, the sensing technologies will be a valuable addition to geriatric assessment.

The Effects of Yoga on Sensory, Motor, Cognitive Skills, and Perceived Stress in Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder

This clinical study aims to investigate the effects of yoga on children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). DCD is a condition that can make it difficult for children to perform everyday activities, as it affects their ability to plan movements, maintain balance, and coordinate their actions. Children with DCD may also experience challenges related to attention, perception, and coping with stress. The main purpose of this study is to examine whether a structured yoga program can improve children's sensory (how they perceive and process information from their environment), motor (movement and coordination), and cognitive (attention, planning, and problem-solving) skills, as well as reduce their perceived stress levels. Yoga is a holistic approach that includes breathing exercises, body awareness, balance activities, and relaxation techniques, which may support both physical and mental well-being. The hypothesis of the study is that children with DCD who participate in the yoga program will show greater improvements in sensory-motor and cognitive skills and experience lower levels of perceived stress compared to those who do not participate or who receive standard support. Regular yoga practice is expected to help children become more aware of their bodies, perform movements more effectively, and gain greater independence in daily activities. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the development of intervention programs for children with DCD and to provide evidence on whether yoga can be an effective complementary approach to support their overall development.