Motor-cognitive effects of a computerized game-based training method in people with dementia: a randomized controlled trial. (2nd September 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wiloth, Stefanie; Werner, Christian; Lemke, Nele Christin; Bauer, Jürgen; Hauer, Klaus
• Is Part Of: Aging & mental health. Volume 22:Number 9(2018)
• Page Start: 1130
• Page End: 1141
• Publication Date: 2018-09-02
• Subjects: Dementia -- exergame -- cognition -- motor-cognitive functions -- training; Older people -- Mental health -- Periodicals; Geriatric psychiatry -- Periodicals; Older people -- Psychology -- Periodicals; Aging -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Aged -- psychology -- periodicals; Mental Health -- periodicals; Mental Health Services -- periodicals; Aging -- psychology -- periodicals; Aged, 80 and over -- psychology -- periodicals; 618.97689
• DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2017.1348472
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1360-7863

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Objectives: To examine the effects of a computerized, game-based training on motor-cognitive performances, the transfer of training effects on untrained tasks, and the sustainability of training gains in people with dementia. Method: Ninety-nine individuals with a mean age of 82.9 (5.8) and dementia participated in a 10-week randomized controlled trial with three-month follow-up. The intervention group (IG) received a motor-cognitive training on (Physiomat®) including concurrent dual-tasks of balance control with cognitive demands (Physiomat®-Trail Making Tasks (PTMTs)). The control group (CG) performed non-specific, low-intensity exercises. Duration and accuracy at different complexity levels of trained and untrained PTMTs and the number of successfully performed tasks (PTMT score) were assessed. Results: Physiomat® training significantly improved the duration and accuracy at almost all complexity levels of trained ( P ≤ 0.001–0.047, ηp 2 = 0.065–0.589) and untrained PTMTs ( P < 0.001–0.005, ηp 2 = 0.073–0.459). Significant effects were also found for the PTMT score of trained ( P < 0.001, ηp 2 = 0.211) and untrained PTMTs ( P < 0.001, ηp 2 = 0.184). Training gains were partly sustained at follow-up. Conclusion: Physiomat® is feasible and has the potential to sustainably improve motor-cognitive performances in people with dementia.