Video Analysis of Engagement Behaviors Associated with Socially Assistive Robot Activities for Long-Term Care Residents
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Date
2025-05
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The Ohio State University
Abstract
Background: People living with dementia (PLwD) who reside in long term care (LTC) have decreased social engagement and are at risk for apathy. Apathy is associated with poor health outcomes and few interventions have been tested to decrease apathy in this population. The use of socially assistive robots (SAR) may promote engagement in PLwD and decrease apathy. The aim of this study is to describe the association of SAR activity type with level of engagement in PLwD residing in LTC.
Theoretical Framework: This study was guided by Cohen-Mansfield’s Comprehensive Process Model of Group Engagement. It describes the relationship between attributes of the environment, person, and stimuli and a person’s engagement level and behavior when involved in group activity.
Methods: This is a sub-analysis of video data collected during a randomized clinical trial testing the effect of SAR activities on apathy. The sample consists of older adults with dementia residing in LTC in Columbus, OH and Nashville, TN. Participants were randomized to control or partnered robot activities. There were seven different robot activities with either dog (n=3) or humanoid robot (n=4). Robot sessions were recorded and coded for behavioral analysis using Noldus software.
Results: The results represent 37 robot intervention sessions from 4 participants across 2 LTCs. Sessions were an average length of 39:21.89 minutes. Behavioral analysis of video data showed that the fishing activity resulted in the greatest level of positive behavioral engagement with an average of 443.74 seconds per session. The music activity was associated with the greatest level of negative behavioral engagement with an average of 143.4 seconds per session.
Discussion: SAR activities were successful at promoting positive behavioral engagement. This is central to the prevention and treatment of apathy. Additionally, activities with higher levels of collaboration were more successful at eliciting positive engagement behaviors.
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Keywords
robots, dementia, positive behavior, long-term care, activities