Abstract
Regular physical activity is a central protective factor for health. The promotion of physical activity is an important issue, especially for ageing societies, to achieve benefits of health and independence in old age. However, motivation for physical activity decreases with age. Due to staff shortages and high cost of personal exercise trainers, older adults living at home cannot be permanently motivated and instructed by health personnel to engage in physical activity. Several studies investigated the use of a humanoid robot as an exercise coach for older adults in nursing homes and laboratories, promising great potential. This explorative user study investigated whether a robot is a practical solution for older adults living in their own home and can motivate for regular physical activity in everyday life. Seven older adults participated in the study. In the study period of 12-14 weeks, they completed three different training conditions (instructions by a robot, a video instruction, and written instructions). Results showed that participants accepted and appreciated the robot, but most participants would not recommend the robot, mainly because several technical and other problems occurred. The present study showed that this humanoid robot is not suitable for autonomous exercise training for older adults at home.