The Impact of Learning Multiple Real-World Skills on Cognitive Abilities and Functional Independence in Healthy Older Adults

Abstract Objective The natural learning experience from infancy to emerging adulthood, when considerable cognitive and functional growth is observed, mandates learning multiple real-world skills simultaneously. The present studies investigated whether learning multiple real-world skills simultaneously is possible in older adults and also whether it improves both their cognitive abilities (working memory, episodic memory, and cognitive control) and functional independence. Method Over two studies (15 and 27 participants), older adults learned at least three new skills (e.g., Spanish, drawing, music composition) simultaneously for 3 months. Participants completed cognitive and functional assessments before, during, and after the intervention in both studies. Participants were recruited sequentially for an intervention or no-contact control group in Study 1, and Study 2 included only an intervention group, who also completed assessments 4–6 weeks prior to the start of the intervention (i.e., they served as their own control group). Results Results from both studies show that simultaneously learning multiple skills is feasible and potentially beneficial for healthy older adults. Learning multiple skills simultaneously increased cognitive abilities in older adults by midpoint of the intervention, to levels similar to performance in a separate sample of middle-aged adults, 30 years younger. Discussion Our findings demonstrate the feasibility and potential of conducting a real-world skill-learning intervention involving learning three novel skills with older adults. Our multiskill intervention may provide broad cognitive gains, akin to the benefits experienced earlier in the life span.

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Effects of Cognitive Training on Cognitive Performance of Healthy Older Adults

The Spanish Journal of Psychology ◽

10.1017/sjp.2017.38 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 20 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Mariana Teles Santos Golino ◽

Carmen Flores Mendoza ◽

Hudson Fernandes Golino

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Training ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Digit Span ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Digit Symbol ◽

Transfer Effects ◽

Healthy Older Adults ◽

Picture Completion

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to determine the immediate effects of cognitive training on healthy older adults and verify the transfer effects of targeted and non-targeted abilities. The design consisted of a semi-randomized clinical controlled trial. The final sample was composed of 80 volunteers recruited from a Brazilian community (mean age = 69.69; SD = 7.44), which were separated into an intervention group (N = 47; mean age = 69.66, SD = 7.51) and a control group (N = 33; mean age = 69.73, SD = 7.45). Intervention was characterized by adaptive cognitive training with 12 individual training sessions of 60 to 90 minutes (once a week). Eight instruments were used to assess effects of cognitive training. Five were used to assess trained abilities (near effects), including: Memorization Tests (List and History), Picture Completion, Digit Span, Digit Symbol-Coding, and Symbol Search (the last four from WAIS-III). Two instruments assessed untrained abilities (far effects): Arithmetic and Matrix Reasoning (WAIS-III). The non-parametric repeated measures ANOVA test revealed a significant interaction between group by time interaction for Picture Completion [F(74) = 14.88, p = .0002, d = 0.90, CLES = 73.69%], Digit Symbol-Coding [F(74) = 5.66, p = .019, d = 0.55, CLES = 65.21%] and Digit Span [F(74) = 5.38, p = .02, d = 0.54, CLES = 64.85%], suggesting an interventional impact on these performance tasks. The results supported near transfer effects, but did not demonstrate a far transfer effects.

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Effects of a simple reminiscence intervention program on the reminiscence functions in older adults

International Psychogeriatrics ◽

10.1017/s1041610220000174 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-10

Author(s):

Encarnación Satorres ◽

Iraida Delhom ◽

Juan C. Meléndez

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Problem Solving ◽

Intervention Program ◽

Intervention Group ◽

The Self ◽

Control Group ◽

Identity Problem ◽

Healthy Older Adults ◽

Positive Functions

ABSTRACT Objectives: Reminiscence promotes the acceptance of oneself and others, a sense of meaning, and the integration of the present and the past. The currently accepted classification contains eight reminiscence functions grouped in three broader functions: self-positive functions (identity, problem-solving, and death preparation); self-negative functions (bitterness revival, boredom reduction, and intimacy maintenance); and prosocial functions (conversation and teach-inform). The main objective of this study was to investigate how the eight dimensions change over time in a sample of healthy older adults after an intervention based on simple reminiscence and subsequent follow-up. Design: Participants were randomly assigned to the treatment or control group. Setting: Participants were evaluated individually before, immediately after, and 3 months after the intervention. Participants: Participants included 139 healthy older adults (71 intervention group and 68 control group). Intervention: Ten weekly sessions lasting 2 hours each were administered, based on a simple reminiscence program. Measurements: Participants were assessed with the Reminiscence Functions Scale. Results: After the intervention, in the treatment group, there was a significant increase in the self-positive functions of problem-solving and death preparation, and these effects were maintained even at the follow-up; there was a significant reduction in the self-negative functions of bitterness revival and intimacy maintenance; and there was a significant increase in the prosocial function of conversation. Conclusions: When applying an intervention based on reminiscence, it is important to evaluate how it influences these functions because this information can help us to modify the objectives of the intervention and increase its effectiveness.

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The Impact of Working Memory Training on Cognitive Abilities in Older Adults: The Role of Cognitive Reserve

Current Aging Science ◽

10.2174/1874609812666190819125542 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

pp. 52-61

Author(s):

Sara Mičič ◽

Marina Horvat ◽

Karin Bakracevic

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Working Memory ◽

Executive Functioning ◽

Cognitive Abilities ◽

Cognitive Reserve ◽

Control Group ◽

Visual Spatial ◽

The Impact ◽

Experimental Group

Objectives: The aims of this study were to determine whether Working Memory (WM) training improves the cognitive functioning of older adults and to determine the role of cognitive reserve in WM training. Method: Twenty-one older adults, aged between 65 and 91 years were included in the study. Ten of them were in the experimental group and 11 in the passive control group. The experimental group underwent 15 training sessions of n-back training over a period of five weeks, whereas the control group remained passive. All participants (from the experimental and control group) were tested before the training, one week after the training, and three months after the training with Rey– Osterrieth/Taylor Complex Figure test (ROCF), Digit span, and TMT (part A and part B). Results and Conclusion: Results of our study suggest that although the experimental group slightly improved their performance on the trained task, the progress was not statistically significant. There was also no statistically significant transfer of training effects onto tasks of visual-spatial and verbal memory, as well as those related to executive functioning. However, the study did identify a statistically significant correlation between cognitive reserve and certain tests performed at the final testing: tasks measuring executive functioning and spatial ability. Results also revealed that the group that showed improvement in the training task was significantly better in the ROCF test in comparison with the group that had not improved their performance on the N-back task. Thus, visual-spatial abilities (visual perception, construction, and memory) were more connected with success in WM training, than other measured cognitive abilities (e.g. verbal and numerical memory).

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The Impact of Whole Body Vibration Therapy on Spasticity and Disability of the Patients with Poststroke Hemiplegia

Rehabilitation Research and Practice ◽

10.1155/2018/8637573 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2018 ◽

pp. 1-6 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Alev Alp ◽

Bilge Efe ◽

Mihriban Adalı ◽

Adnan Bilgiç ◽

Sevda Demir Türe ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Functional Outcome ◽

Whole Body Vibration ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Complementary Therapy ◽

Functional Independence ◽

Whole Body ◽

Control Group ◽

Body Vibration ◽

Vibration Therapy ◽

The Impact

Objective. To determine if whole body vibration therapy (WBV) effectively improves functional outcome in patients with poststroke hemiplegia. Materials and Methods. In this single-blind RCT, WBV group (n=10) had 40 hz frequency/4 mm amplitude vibration during 5 minutes/session, 3 days a week, for a duration of 4 weeks. The control group (n=11) had no vibration therapy for the same duration while standing on the same platform. Patients in both of the groups did 15 minutes of stretching and active range of motion exercises before the intervention. Outcome measures were Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Functional Independence Measurement (FIM), and Timed 10-Meter Walk Test (10 mWT). Results. Only 10 mWT improved at the 1st week (p=0.002), 1st month (p<0.001), and 3rd month (p<0.001) in favor of the intervention group. There was positive correlation also between 10 mWT and ankle spasticity (p<0.001, r=0.931). Conclusion. This study suggests that WBV therapy may be a complementary therapy in gait rehabilitation and functional outcome of the patients with calf muscle spasticity.

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Effect of an Exergaming-Based Dance Training Paradigm on Autonomic Nervous System Modulation in Healthy Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Journal of Aging and Physical Activity ◽

10.1123/japa.2019-0452 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Gonzalo Varas-Diaz ◽

Savitha Subramaniam ◽

Larissa Delgado ◽

Shane A. Phillips ◽

Tanvi Bhatt

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

High Frequency ◽

Aerobic Training ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Walk Test ◽

High Frequency Power ◽

Healthy Older Adults ◽

Dance Training ◽

Frequency Power

The purpose of this study was to determine if an exergaming-based dance training protocol can improve heart rate variability (HRV) in healthy older adults. A total of 20 healthy older adults (≥65 years old) were randomly assigned to two groups. The intervention group received an exergaming-based dance aerobic training for 6 weeks, while the control group received a 1-hr education on conventional physical exercises. Data obtained from HRV analysis pre- (Week 0) and postintervention (Week 7) consisted of high-frequency power, low- and high-frequency ratio, and root mean square of differences and percentage of adjacent RR intervals with a difference of duration greater than 50 ms values. HRV was assessed during rest and during a 6-min walk test. In addition, the YMCA submaximal cycle ergometer test was used to acquire estimated maximal O2 consumption pre- and postintervention. After the training, the intervention group showed significant improvement in HRV high-frequency power, root mean square of differences, and percentage of adjacent RR intervals with a difference of duration greater than 50 ms values in both rest and 6-min walk test conditions compared with the control group. Similarly, the intervention group showed higher maximal O2 consumption compared with the control group after the training. Our results support the effectiveness of an exergaming-based dance aerobic training on improving cardiac autonomic control in aging.

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The Impact of a Multitasking-Based Virtual Reality Motion Video Game on the Cognitive and Physical Abilities of Older Adults

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su12219106 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (21) ◽

pp. 9106

Author(s):

Xiaoxuan Li ◽

Kavous Salehzadeh Niksirat ◽

Shanshan Chen ◽

Dongdong Weng ◽

Sayan Sarcar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Working Memory ◽

Virtual Reality ◽

Physical Health ◽

Video Game ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Before And After ◽

The Impact ◽

Motion Video

This study demonstrates how playing a well-designed multitasking motion video game in a virtual reality (VR) environment can positively impact the cognitive and physical health of older players. We developed a video game that combines cognitive and physical training in a VR environment. The impact of playing the game was measured through a four-week longitudinal experiment. Twenty healthy older adults were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (i.e., game training) or a control group (i.e., no contact). Participants played three 45-min sessions per week completing cognitive tests for attention, working memory, reasoning and a test for physical balance before and after the intervention. Results showed that compared to the control group, the game group showed significant improvements in working memory and a potential for enhancing reasoning and balance ability. Furthermore, while the older adults enjoyed playing the video game, ability enhancements were associated with their intrinsic motivation to play. Overall, cognitive training with multitasking VR motion video games has positive impacts on the cognitive and physical health of older adults.

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Single Versus Combined Cognitive and Physical Activity Effects on Fluid Cognitive Abilities of Healthy Older Adults: A 4-Month Randomized Controlled Trial With Follow-Up

Journal of Aging and Physical Activity ◽

10.1123/japa.2012-0149 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 22 (3) ◽

pp. 302-313 ◽

Cited By ~ 36

Author(s):

Katja Linde ◽

Dorothee Alfermann

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Abilities ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Cognitive Activity ◽

Training Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Healthy Older Adults ◽

Combined Training ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Cognitive Speed

Background:Physical and cognitive activity seems to be an effective strategy by which to promote age-sensitive fluid cognitive abilities in older adults.Method:In this randomized controlled trial, 70 healthy senior citizens (age 60–75) were allocated to a physical, cognitive, combined physical plus cognitive, and waiting control group. The trial assessed information processing speed, short-term memory, spatial relations, concentration, reasoning, and cognitive speed.Results:In contrast to the control group, the physical, cognitive, and combined training groups enhanced their concentration immediately after intervention. Only the physical training group showed improved concentration 3 months later. The combined training group displayed improved cognitive speed both immediately and three months after intervention. The cognitive training group displayed improved cognitive speed 3 months after intervention.Conclusions:Physical, cognitive, and combined physical plus cognitive activity can be seen as cognition-enrichment behaviors in healthy older adults that show different rather than equal intervention effects.

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The Impact of Virtual Reality Simulation on Cognitive Achievement of Nursing Students

INDONESIAN NURSING JOURNAL OF EDUCATION AND CLINIC (INJEC) ◽

10.24990/injec.v4i2.265 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (2) ◽

pp. 147

Author(s):

Ryan Hara Permana ◽

Mira Suryani ◽

Erick Paulus ◽

Windy Rakhmawati

Keyword(s):

Virtual Reality ◽

Nursing Students ◽

Nursing Care ◽

Cognitive Abilities ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Control Group ◽

Learning Method ◽

Virtual Reality Simulation ◽

The Impact

Introduction: Simulation of nursing care in patients with acute respiratory infections (ARI) requires a method that is high fidelity. This study aims to determine the impact of Virtual Reality Simulation (VRS), as a learning method, on the improvement of cognitive abilities of undergraduate nursing students in conducting nursing care of the ARI case. Methods: This study used a quasi-experimental design with pre and post-test on the control and intervention group. The sampling technique used purposive sampling, with a total of 27 respondents divided into nine respondents in each group, including the control group (group A) intervention group (Group B and C). There were three different methods in the implementation of VRS as learning activities. Data were analyzed by ANCOVA test. Results: The results showed a significant impact on the application of VRS as a learning method with p <0.05 (0.025). Conclusion: This significant impact was obtained in the implementation of VRS as a stand-alone learning method.

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The Effect of Electrical Muscle Stimulation on Muscle Mass and Balance in Older Adults with Dementia

Brain Sciences ◽

10.3390/brainsci11030339 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. 339

Author(s):

Yuichi Nishikawa ◽

Tetsuya Takahashi ◽

Shuhei Kawade ◽

Noriaki Maeda ◽

Hirofumi Maruyama ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Physical Function ◽

Muscle Mass ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Functional Independence ◽

Control Group ◽

Muscle Stimulation ◽

Electrical Muscle Stimulation ◽

General Rehabilitation ◽

Electrical Muscle

Background: Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) is effective for increasing physical function. However, there is no evidence regarding the effects of EMS on muscle mass and physical function in older adults with dementia. The aim of the present study was to quantify the effects of EMS on muscle mass and balance in older adults with dementia. Methods: A total of 32 participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 16, age = 89.4 ± 4.8 years) and a control group (n = 16, age = 88.1 ± 5.2 years). Participants in the intervention group underwent a general rehabilitation program (20 min for three days/week) and an EMS intervention (23 min for three days/week) for 23 weeks. Participants in the control group underwent general rehabilitation only. The efficacy of EMS was evaluated by lower limb muscle mass, the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and the functional independence measure (FIM). Results: Muscle mass was significantly increased in the intervention group after 12 weeks (p = 0.008), but average muscle mass in the control group did not change (p = 0.18). Participants in the control group showed a significant decrease in BBS after 12 weeks (p = 0.007), unlike those in the intervention group. Furthermore, there was a strong correlation between the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) results and the change in muscle mass, the BBS, and the FIM in the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggest that EMS is a useful intervention for increasing muscle mass and maintaining balance function in older adults with dementia.

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The impact of reminiscence on autobiographical memory, cognition and psychological well-being in healthy older adults

Europe’s Journal of Psychology ◽

10.5964/ejop.v16i2.2097 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 16 (2) ◽

pp. 317-330

Author(s):

Andrew P. Allen ◽

Caoilainn Doyle ◽

Richard A. P. Roche

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Autobiographical Memory ◽

Satisfaction With Life ◽

Memory Performance ◽

Well Being ◽

Control Group ◽

Psychological Well Being ◽

Healthy Older Adults ◽

Before And After ◽

The Impact

Reminiscence therapy has improved autobiographical memory in older adults with memory impairment. However, there has been a relative lack of research examining the impact of reminiscence interventions on healthy older adults, despite the fact that healthy ageing has been associated with a reduction in episodic autobiographical memory. The current study examined the effects of a semi-structured reminiscence program, compared to a no-intervention control and an active control group focused on current life, in healthy older adults. Before and after reminiscence or control, we assessed episodic and semantic autobiographical memory, as well as reliving of the memory and re-experiencing the emotion associated with the memory. We also examined new learning and executive function, as well as quality of life, satisfaction with life, anxiety, depression, and mood. The reminiscence intervention did not lead to a differing impact on autobiographical memory, cognition or psychological well-being, compared to the control groups. The current results indicate that simple reminiscence does not lead to enhanced autobiographical memory performance in healthy older adults.

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