Assistive tech startup launches global competition to encourage dementia patients to engage in physical activity

Motitech, a Norwegian startup motivating older people and people with dementia to engage in physical activity, is holding its annual month-long global cycling championship, the Road Worlds for Seniors, for a fourth consecutive year.

Running from 7th September 2020 until 2nd October, the assistive technology company’s annual event is held in care homes across the globe.

Via Motiview, Motitech’s immersive video-based technology, participants are able to virtually travel and see the outside world at a time when most are unable to leave their accommodation or go outdoors for exercise.

After the postponement of major global sporting events, including The Olympics, The Euros, Wimbledon 2020 and the UCI World Championships, Motitech’s Road World for Seniors is one of the few events that’s gone ahead.

During the championship, residents use Motitech’s video concept, Motiview, to cycle through a choice of over 2000 locations on stationary bikes via a video projection that plays whilst the person pedals (with hands or feet, depending on mobility).

According to Motitech, documented health benefits include multiple accounts of residents who are now able to walk with assistance, having previously been wheelchair-bound, and a reduction in falls. This is in addition to an improved quality of life, increased confidence and more social interactions, faster rehabilitation and improved mental wellbeing, the assistive technology specialist adds.

“The 2019 Road Worlds for Seniors event was a huge success, with 194 teams competing from across the globe,” commented Jan Inge Ebbesvik, President of the Road Worlds for Seniors. “We are both proud and thrilled to be one of the few sporting events going ahead this year. The fact that care homes across the world want to carry on during these uncertain times is a reflection of how dedicated our athletes are and we cannot wait to see how far and where they travel to this year.”

Care homes from the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Iceland have taken part in the competition.

“Our staff and residents at Vida Healthcare here in the UK were determined to take part in the Road Worlds for Seniors this year,” said James Rycroft, Managing Director at Vida Healthcare. “We are thrilled that the competition is still going ahead, despite what 2020 has thrown at us, and our residents that can’t wait to begin racking up the miles as they compete, not only with each other, but also with care home teams from across the globe! The Road Worlds for Seniors is an event that we all look forward to, and this year is extra special.

“Participating in the event, and getting active, is great for the mental and physical wellbeing of our residents, and the competition gives us all something to look forward to. We can’t wait to see how many miles we clock up!”