DUAL-REHAB, a New 360° Dual-Task Based App for Rehabilitation in Aging: Usability Study

Global population aging has intensified the need to develop innovative interventions addressing cognitive decline, particularly in individuals at risk such as who experiencing subjective memory complaints. This study introduces DUAL-REHAB, a novel cognitive motor dual-task training program utilizing 360° media technology to create ecologically valid cognitive interventions. Most traditional training programs have been predominantly confined to sterile laboratory settings, limiting the transfer of the ability to real life. To go beyond this issue, we designed an innovative intervention that integrates simultaneous cognitive and motor tasks to create lifelike experiences. The program leverages two applications delivered into two technological modalities: head-mounted display and tablet interfaces. The current study aims to evaluate a prototype of these training apps through user experience testing with 15 participants presenting subjective memory complaints. Participants engaged with training exercises set in realistic daily environments, requiring simultaneous cognitive processing and motor synchronization. Quantitative and qualitative assessments revealed promising outcomes, with participants rating the intervention positively across multiple dimensions, including sense of presence, ecological validity, attractiveness, and stimulation. Preliminary results suggest DUAL-REHAB as a potentially transformative approach to cognitive rehabilitation, demonstrating minimal side effects and high user engagement. While technical refinements are needed, the study provides initial evidence for the efficacy of technology-mediated, ecologically designed cognitive motor interventions.