Robot-Assisted Meditation for Older Adults With Cognitive Concerns

Overview

While traditional app-based mindfulness meditation programs relying solely on audio guidance have shown potential benefits for older adults, the programs often face challenges such as low engagement. Participants frequently report difficulties in maintaining focus during meditation sessions, which can limit its effectiveness in improving outcomes such as stress reduction and sleep quality. To address these limitations, this study examines whether a haptic robot that provides both tactile and audio guidance can enhance meditation. The robot's expansion and contraction movements help users pace and sustain rhythmic breathing, while gentle vibrations signal phase transitions without disrupting concentration. These haptic features are intended to anchor attention and support a more embodied practice. The study primarily seeks to answer the following questions: Does a haptic enabled meditation intervention reduce perceived stress in older adults living alone with subjective cognitive decline more effectively than an audio only mindfulness meditation guidance provided by a non-moving robot? To what extent does enhanced attentional anchoring mediate the intervention's effect on perceived stress in this population? By addressing these questions, the research aims to determine whether haptic enabled meditation technology can overcome common barriers to mindfulness practice among older adults and serve as an innovative tool to reduce perceived stress, and ultimately improve their sleep quality and physical, emotional, and cognitive well being.

While traditional app-based mindfulness meditation programs relying solely on audio guidance have shown potential benefits for older adults, the apps often face challenges such as low compliance. Participants frequently report difficulties in maintaining focus during meditation sessions, which can limit its effectiveness in improving outcomes such as stress reduction and sleep quality. Recognizing these limitations, this study explores whether a haptic-enabled handheld robot can enhance meditation practices by providing both haptic and audio guidance. The robot, designed to foster sustained attention and encourage rhythmic breathing, may offer a novel, multidimensional approach that addresses compliance issues and supports deeper engagement in mindfulness meditation. The study primarily seeks to answer the question: Does robot-guided meditation, combining both haptic and audio guidance, improve the sleep quality of older adults living alone with subjective cognitive decline more effectively than traditional audio-based mindfulness meditation guidance? Furthermore, the study examines a secondary question: Is the effect of robot-guided meditation on sleep quality mediated by reductions in stress? By investigating these questions, the research aims to offer insights into whether haptic-enabled meditation technology can overcome common barriers to mindfulness practices among older adults and serve as an innovative tool to improve physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being. Aim 1: This aim will evaluate the effectiveness of robot-guided meditation, a novel approach that combines haptic feedback and audio guidance, in reducing stress levels among older adults living alone with subjective cognitive decline. Stress levels will be measured using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). The haptic-enabled intervention aims to enhance focus, engagement, and stress reduction more effectively than audio-only methods, addressing challenges like low adherence and distraction in mindfulness practices. Aim 2: This aim explores the role of stress reduction as a mediator between robot-guided meditation and improved sleep quality. Sleep will be assessed through the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Fitbit data, measuring self-reported and objective sleep outcomes like restlessness and time awake. The study will clarify whether reduced stress drives better sleep outcomes. Aim 3: This aim will examine adherence to and usability of the robot-guided meditation intervention. Adherence will be tracked through self-reported practice logs and usage data. By evaluating how older adults interact with and engage with this technology, the study will provide insights into the practicality of implementing this approach for individuals experiencing subjective cognitive decline.