TST Trend Sport Trading GmbH offers numerous training devices to increase coordination and optimise core stability and strength of the lower extremities. The MFT Challenge Disc is a popular training tool for athletes of different levels. The software allows training using different games and at levels of difficulty to improve coordinative abilities.
The elderly are an ever-growing target group in the fitness sector. Regular strength and balance training is essential for reducing the risk of falls and associated injuries and limitations. Studies show that seniors tend to train more enthusiastically using games with a training character thus a wider range of these “exergames” is needed for this target group.
An adequate level of challenge in terms of operating software as well as the training programmes themselves is important (in particular of speed, amount of information, demands on the ability to balance etc.) since a mismatch can lead to premature termination of the training.

Objective

In this study, the usability of the existing software for senior citizens is tested and, based on the results of the testing, a concept for adapting or reprogramming it to suit the target group is developed. In a participative process, senior citizens are involved in the redesign of the software.

Methodology

In a non-experimental cross-sectional study, 17 respondents (average age 64.47 years) were asked about the MFT Challenge Disc using standardized usability questionnaires. Questions were asked about subjective assessment of the usability, perceived intensity, duration and type of information displayed, font size, etc. After evaluating the questionnaires, a development workshop was held in which the seniors formulated concrete suggestions for improvement under the guidance of a moderator.

Results

The MFT Challenge Disc achieved very good results in the usability survey. For the participants the required performance was "understandable", they had the impression of having the training device "well under control". The test persons had great fun working with the MFT Challenge Disc and the barriers for using the presented technology was very low. Development potentials exist in the area of everyday relevance and self-efficacy of the technology as well as usability of the software of the training device and the binding of the test persons to the product. In the subsequent development workshop, more than 40 concrete optimisation suggestions were developed.