January 28, 2025
Last year, the YMCA of Metro Denver partnered with the cognitive health technology company Dividat to bring its Senso device into a non-clinical fitness setting for the first time ever. Working with Dividat on an innovative case study, YMCA staff piloted the new cognitive training technology, rolling it out to a targeted group of members at the University Hills-Schlessman YMCA.
Coordinated by Marydean Purves, Senior Manager, Community Well-being–Older Adults, the study offered this specialized programming to Denver YMCA members with Parkinson’s Disease and balance challenges. Several Y fitness staff completed training on the technology to guide users through programming.
Study participants were gathered from YMCA Parkinson's programming and Silver Sneakers fitness classes for older adults. Nearly 30 Y members enrolled in the study, ranging in age from 55 to 85.
They used the Senso device for 10 minutes twice a week for 8 weeks, completing assessments and playing games that challenged their cognitive function, as well as their physical coordination, balance and reaction time. Of the participants, 83 percent said they found value in the program.
One participant, Bob, said that as he ages, he spends more and more of his time in clinical settings, and he appreciates having access to care technology like the Senso in a warm, community atmosphere like the Y.
Said one participant: "The Dividat machine definitely added significantly to my health and wellness."