A pretest-posttest pilot study for augmented reality-based physical-cognitive training in community-dwelling older adults at risk of mild cognitive impairment

TL;DR

This pilot study demonstrates that augmented reality-based physical-cognitive training can significantly improve executive functions such as inhibition and cognitive flexibility in older adults at risk of mild cognitive impairment.

Contribution

It introduces a novel AR-based training program combining physical movement and cognitive tasks tailored for older adults at risk of cognitive decline.

Findings

Significant improvements in inhibition and cognitive flexibility.

Enhanced accuracy and reaction time in certain cognitive tasks.

Potential of AR interventions to support cognitive health in older adults.

Abstract

As cognitive interventions for older adults evolve, modern technologies are increasingly integrated into their development. This study investigates the efficacy of augmented reality (AR)-based physical-cognitive training using an interactive game with Kinect motion sensor technology on older individuals at risk of mild cognitive impairment. Utilizing a pretest-posttest experimental design, twenty participants (mean age 66.8 SD. = 4.6 years, age range 60-78 years) underwent eighteen individual training sessions, lasting 45 to 60 minutes each, conducted three times a week over a span of 1.5 months. The training modules from five activities, encompassing episodic and working memory, attention and inhibition, cognitive flexibility, and speed processing, were integrated with physical movement and culturally relevant Thai-context activities. Results revealed significant improvements in inhibition, cognitive flexibility, accuracy, and reaction time, with working memory demonstrating enhancements in accuracy albeit not in reaction time. These findings underscore the potential of AR interventions to bolster basic executive enhancement among community-dwelling older adults at risk of cognitive decline.