A Brand New Sense: the use of movement sonification by older adults for physical activity
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Leeds
Department Name: Sch of Performance & Cultural Industries
Abstract
A Brand New Sense (BraNeS) aims to create a digital tool that makes movement fun and aids creative expression and intergenerational exchange within the user's home setting and/or community environments. Just like anyone else, when they exercise, old people experience important health benefits. They are able to move better, accomplish daily and routine tasks easier and experience a positive shift in their mood. However, a major challenge is how to get people to become active in a way that they enjoy. Research has shown that a combination of movement and music is enjoyable, and people are more likely to adhere to exercise programmes that involve music. Studies have also shown that the social dimension of physical activity is an important factor of enjoyment. BraNeS explores the use of movement sonification as a form of physical activity that combines creative expression and social interaction. Movement sonification is the synchronous production of sound and movement through a digital device. It is an emerging practice which, on the on hand, is spreading within youth and music subcultures through new products aimed at primarily young audiences. It is also being tested within health and clinical settings for the treatment of health conditions and/or the improvement of physical performance. Through developing an existing prototype, BraNeS capitalises on this trend, in order to develop an intuitive, affordable and accessible tool that can be used in the user's living environment and increase mobility, aid creative expression and encourage intergenerational social interaction.
| Title | Full of Life |
| Description | I worked for 9 weeks with the Performance Ensemble, a theatre company of older performers. We worked with the technology exploring its use for movement and storytelling and a sharing of the work took place in stage@leeds in December 2022. The sharing as well as interviews with the participants was filmed and this will be made soon available. The company invited me to work with them on a week long residency in July 2023. |
| Type Of Art | Performance (Music, Dance, Drama, etc) |
| Year Produced | 2022 |
| Impact | The participants reported great satisfaction with the work and the use of the technology and the company's artistic director talked about how the use of the technology led him to see at the performers in anew light. The use of the technology revealed new skills in movement and new approaches to creating and performing movement material. |
| Description | As part of the work that has been delivered so far, the team has developed a set of methods and bespoke activities for using the technology in small groups and pairs. This is a significant finding because the creation of sound out of movement makes it hard to use this kind of technologies in group settings. It is crucial however that this is made possible because group settings also provide opportunities for socialisation which is an important aspect of wellbeing in healthy ageing. |
| Exploitation Route | The activities mentioned above will then be tested in care home settings. This could enable care home staff to use the technology with residents and can provide a new tool for creative activities. |
| Sectors | Creative Economy |
| Description | The project involves ongoing engagement with older adults through workshops organised by the project team and through a partnership with Age UK. This has an immediate effect on the participants, since it provides an opportunity for them to socialise, engage in physical activity, express themselves creatively and be part of an innovation process. Participants often report a sense of satisfaction and pleasure after participating in the workshops. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2022 |
| Sector | Creative Economy,Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software) |
| Impact Types | Cultural,Societal |
| Description | Stakeholder Engagement with the Leeds City Council, Age UK, Rsearch and Innovation Service at the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, private care home providers. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | The activity involved presentation of the project at various fora of professionals involved with the care of older adults. I had meetings with the Leeds City Council Care Delivery and Care Assurance Service, and Age UK I presented the work at a meeting with activities coordinators at care homes, and arranged a series of visits for working with the staff and the residents throughout March. I began a partnership with Age UK, working directly with their movement facilitator and a group of older adults who attend the 'Move with Confidence' sessions. A project on intergenerational exchange will be delivered in later in April. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |