The Efficacy of a Technology-Assisted Block Training Program on Cognitive Function, Hand Dexterity, and Grip Strength in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Mixed-Methods Research

National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Aging; Muscle Strength; Hand Dexterity; Cognitive Decline; Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Treatments: Behavioral: Technology-Assisted Block Training Program

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07315724

FJU-IRB NO:C113099

Details and patient eligibility

About

Block-building activities represent a promising tool for enhancing cognitive and hand function in older adults. When integrated with technological support, they offer personalized training advantages; however, their comprehensive effectiveness requires empirical validation. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a "Technology-Assisted Block Training Program" to explore its effects on cognitive function, hand grip strength, dexterity, and quality of life among community-dwelling older adults, while examining participants' subjective experiences.

Full description

In response to the aging population trend, developing evidence-based care programs for older adults has become increasingly necessary. To delay functional decline in individuals, intervention programs that combine cognitive and motor training are gaining greater attention. Manual activities such as block-building can effectively improve working memory and processing abilities. However, traditional block training and cognitive training often struggle to maintain participants' motivation and sustained engagement due to monotonous content. Therefore, technology-assisted block training has emerged as a solution, providing real-time feedback, personalized difficulty adjustment, and multi-sensory stimulation to effectively overcome the limitations of traditional training approaches and enhance participant motivation.

Enrollment: 40 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 65+ years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

1. Adults aged 65 and older
2. Mentally alert and able to communicate
3. Willing to participate in this study

Exclusion criteria

1. Diagnosed with dementia by a physician
2. Severe sensory or communication impairment
3. Hand function impairment that prevents manipulation of building blocks

Trial design

Primary purpose: Health Services Research

Allocation: N/A

Interventional model: Single Group Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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40 participants in 1 patient group

single group

Experimental group

Description:

This intervention arm involves a weekly 2-hour building block course that incorporates mental rotation training components. Participants will engage in structured building block activities designed to enhance spatial reasoning abilities, with specific lesson plans focused on developing mental rotation skills through hands-on construction and manipulation of three-dimensional objects.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Technology-Assisted Block Training Program