Effects of an Immersive Technology-based Intergenerational Intervention to Improve Movement Patterns in Older Adults: Co-creation and a Randomised Controlled Trial (engAGE) Study Protocol.

The engAGE project is an innovative, non-oriented research initiative that seeks to advance public health knowledge to promote quality of life and functional independence in older adults. It combines expertise in public health, education, pedagogy, psychology, and technology with a novel approach. The project is divided in two phases: Phase 1: Involves the co-creation of an intergenerational intervention designed to improve movement patterns of community-dwelling older adults (65+), recruited from community and day care centres. Using participatory action research, interventions will be co-designed with older adults, family members (including children and grandchildren), students, health and education professionals, technology experts, and researchers. The reserachers aim is to reduce sedentary behaviour (SB), increase physical activity (PA), and explore the added value of immersive technology to enhance uptake, adherence, and sustainability. Phase 2: Evaluate the effects of the tailored, co-created intervention through a randomised controlled clinical trial. Movement patterns will be assessed via accelerometry and observational measures (time in SB, active vs. passive SB, standing, walking, steps, and transitions) at baseline, post-intervention, 6 months, and 12 months. In addition to movement outcomes, secondary measures will include functional capacity, independence, loneliness, social isolation, physical function, body composition, quality of life, depression, anxiety, and cost-utility.