Efficacy of Computer-Based Cognitive Game Training for Healthy Elderly

National Taiwan University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Aging; Cognitive Function

Treatments: Device: computer-based cognitive game (including 3 training tasks)

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT03940079

201804055RINC

Details and patient eligibility

About

The declination on cognitive and motor functions in older adults increases the difficulty to achieve successful aging. Previous studies had reported that contrast to the traditional cognitive training methods, computer cognitive training (CCT) is comparable or has better effect on the cognitive function improvement with elders.On the other hand, some researchers claimed motor-cognitive dual-task training may possess greater effects than single cognitive training on cognitive functions. However, it is still on debate. Therefore, the research aims to investigate cognitive and motor benefits to healthy older adults over 65s trained by our computer-based cognitive game with high and low level of motor engagements.The research questions include: (1) Is CCT beneficial of cognitive functions? (2) Does CCT with high level of motor engagements (i.e. motor-cognitive dual-task training) have greater effects than single cognitive training on cognitive functions? (3) Can the training effect remain?

Full description

Quasi-experimental design was adapted in our research.There are four time-series assessments during the experiment: baseline, pretest, posttest, and follow-up. After the baseline assessment, participants were randomized to two groups: gross-motor group (GMG) and fine-motor group (FMG). The intervals between baseline and pretest as well as between pretest and posttest were both 4 weeks, while the interval between posttest and follow-up was 8 weeks.

The investigators developed a computer-based cognitive game and compared the efficacy of cognitive and motor functions between computer-based cognitive game combining two different demands on motor control. Investigators hypothesized: All participants who take part in the computer-based cognitive game training don't have learning effects on pretest and are able to improve cognitive functions including short-term memory, divided attention and inhibitory function after intervention; Gross-motor group make more progress than fine-motor group on cognitive and motor functions after intervention. Furthermore, gross-motor group maintained more training effect over cognitive and motor functions at follow-up than fine-motor group.

Enrollment: 16 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 65+ years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

1. ≥ 65 years old
2. Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score ≥ 18
3. clear eyesight and hearing
4. both upper and lower limbs are functional
5. normal communication

Exclusion criteria

1. injury, fracture, and breathing problem
2. surgery during the research
3. severe disease affecting cognitive functions.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Health Services Research

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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16 participants in 2 patient groups

gross-motor group (GMG)

Experimental group

Description:

The participants of GMG received motor-cognitive dual-task training. The sensors used by the participants were four different colored buttons. The participants wear a suit with two buttons on the shoulders and the other two fasten on the knees by velcros. To accomplish the tasks, the participants had to slap the correct colored buttons. The stretching of upper or lower limbs was demanding while slapping, so the participants of GMG received a training which required cognitive and motor functions at the same time. The participants attended 2 sessions per week and lasted for 4 weeks. Each session lasted 75 minutes, mainly including 30 minutes for game introduction and warm-up, 30 minutes for game training, and 15 minutes for rest during the training. Each task lasted 10 minutes, and each session contained 3 tasks. The game difficulty could be adjusted automatically according to the performance of participants.

Treatment:

Device: computer-based cognitive game (including 3 training tasks)

fine-motor group (FMG)

Active Comparator group

Description:

The participants of FMG received cognitive training only. Four colored sensors used by the participants were the keys on the keyboard of the laptop. The participants simply pressed correct colored keys by fingers to complete the tasks. The participants attended 2 sessions per week and lasted for 4 weeks. Each session lasted 75 minutes, mainly including 30 minutes for game introduction and warm-up, 30 minutes for game training, and 15 minutes for rest during the training. Each task lasted 10 minutes, and each session contained 3 tasks. The game difficulty could be adjusted automatically according to the performance of participants.

Treatment:

Device: computer-based cognitive game (including 3 training tasks)