My first relevant scientific achievement was the publication of my first paper of my doctorate project [1], which represents a paradigm shift in the approach to designing and developing technology-enhanced and individually tailored exergame-based training concepts for older adults. This paper emphasizes the importance of systematically involving primary and secondary end-users via qualitative research in the process to define a set of design requirements for a training concept before commencing the development process, which deviates from the conventional approach and builds on earlier methodological frameworks [2, 3]. This highlights my commitment to patient-centered research and showcases my methodological rigor and innovative efforts in contributing to advancing research. 

In July 2023, I received the award for the best 3 Minute Thesis (3MT®) presentation during the 2023 World Congress of the International Society of Gait and Posture Research, where I presented my methodology. Participation in this competition sharpened my ability to succinctly communicate the significance and impact of my research to diverse audiences. 

Based on this methodology, I structured my doctorate project in three phases: In phase 1, we systematically combined a comprehensive literature synthesis [1] with qualitative research including primary (individuals with mild neurocognitive disorder) and secondary (healthcare professionals) end users, other exergaming researchers, and experts from the exergaming industry [4] to elaborate a set of design requirements for the individually-tailored ‘Brain-IT’ training concept. In phase 2, possible concepts were co-designed and developed based on the set of design requirements defined in phase 1. The first prototype of the resulting ‘Brain-IT’ training concept [1] then entered the iterative cycle of feasibility, usability, safety, and acceptance testing and integrating findings for further development until an "acceptable" solution was achieved [5]. In phase 3, we confirmed the effectiveness of the resulting ‘Brain-IT’ training by showing that it is effective for improving global cognitive performance as well as immediate and delayed verbal recall [6] and explored its neurobiological mechanisms of action (in preparation).

Thanks to this rigorous methodological approach, our work was well recognized and we were able to publish our findings in Alzheimer’s & Dementia®, which is, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, “[…] the leading peer-reviewed, monthly journal in Alzheimer’s and dementia” and it was awarded with the Vontobel Prize for Age(ing) Research, marking my biggest achievement(s) so far. 

In January 2023, I initiated a collaboration with Dr. Fabian Herold (University of Potsdam). Together, we conducted a systematic review with meta-analyses aiming to unravel dose-response relationships of specific exercise and training variables (training components) of exergame-based training on cognitive functioning in middle-aged to older adults. We found that the effectiveness of exergame-based training was moderated by several training components that have in common that they enhance the ecological validity of the training, with our most significant and novel finding being that body position was a significant moderator for the effects on global cognition, favoring step-based exergame training over exergaming in a standing position with mainly weight shifting and exergaming in a sitting position. Based on these findings, published in Ageing Research Reviews, we provided specific evidence-based recommendations for the application of our research findings in research and practical settings and identified and discussed several areas of interest for future research, paving the way for advancements in future research in the field by enhancing the credibility and robustness of exergame-based training. [7]