KOKU Projects
Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a digital fall prevention programme versus usual care to improve balance, falls risk and function in older adults: KOKU RCT
Falls are the primary cause of fatal and non-fatal accidental injuries in older adults. This study is using a Randomised Control Trial (RCT) to investigate the effectiveness of KOKU relative to usual care in improving balance, function, and reducing falls risk in community dwelling older adults aged 60 and over. Early results have shown that KOKU significantly improves balance, lower limb strength and function, confidence, quality of life and pain in older adults after 12 weeks use. The cost-effectiveness component of the study will evaluate whether KOKU offers good value for money. This study may generate evidence to inform future clinical practice and policy development in fall prevention.
Development and evaluation of a digital health programme for falls prevention and to improve well-being in people living with dementia in the community
Older adults with cognitive impairments are more than twice as likely to fall compared with older adults without cognitive impairment. This project focuses on developing and implementing a digital health programme designed to prevent falls and improve wellbeing among people living with dementia (KOKU-LITE). This version of KOKU has been adapted in collaboration with people living with dementia and their carers to ensure it is more accessible and user-friendly. As part of the developments, a brain health game has been introduced to support cognitive engagement alongside physical activity.
Co-development of a digital activity programme, Keep On Keep Up (KOKU), for older South Asians
This project is focusing on designing and evaluating a culturally tailored digital health programme, KOKU, aimed at promoting physical activity among older South Asians. Recognising the unique barriers this population faces, such as language, cultural norms, and digital exclusion, this project seeks to co-produce a solution that is both accessible and engaging. The KOKU programme builds on existing evidence-based approaches to healthy ageing and aims to reduce sedentary behaviour, improve mobility, and support independence in later life
KOKU: Developing & implementing a digital falls prevention & healthy ageing technology with older adults
This project is working to develop and implement a digital falls prevention and healthy ageing platform (KOKU), co-designed with older adults. The aim is to increase engagement with users through personalised and progressive exercise plans and gamified health literacy modules that use behaviour change techniques to promote adherence and maintenance to physical activity. To improve accessibility and reduce digital exclusion, the programme is being evaluated for implementation in diverse settings, with resources made available in multiple languages and formats—including written, audio, and animated video content.
Understanding older South Asian perceptions of digital health technologies for exercise & falls prevention and testing a translated and adapted Keep On Keep Up (KOKU) digital application
Research shows that older people, specifically those from minority ethnic groups, low incomes, or those living in rural areas, are more likely to be digitally excluded and experience health inequalities as a result. This study explored how older South Asian adults perceive digital health technologies for exercise and falls prevention. It began with a rapid evidence scoping review, followed by a series of sessions with South Asian participants using a translated and culturally adapted version of KOKU. Insights from this work informed a final report with recommendations to improve digital health literacy and accessibility for South Asian communities.
ARC-GM are supporting a variety of KOKU projects focusing on different communities within the GM population.
Click here to find out more about the overarching KOKU programme.