scholarly journals A Mobile App (iBeni) With a Neuropsychological Basis for Cognitive Stimulation for Elderly Adults: Pilot and Validation Study (Preprint)

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia I Martínez-Alcalá ◽  
Alejandra Rosales-Lagarde ◽  
Esmeralda Hernández-Alonso ◽  
Roberto Melchor-Agustin ◽  
Erika E Rodriguez-Torres ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Cognitive Stimulation ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Elderly Adults ◽  
Paper And Pencil ◽  
Neuropsychological Evaluations ◽  
Experimental Group

BACKGROUND Cognitive impairment is considered one of the most feared chronic conditions among the older adult population since its incidence is approximately twice more frequent than that of dementia. In Mexico, no studies or reports of older adults using technology for cognitive interventions have been published, given that institutions usually frame cognitive stimulation tasks in paper and pencil (ie, in the traditional manner). OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to create and analyze the effect, viability, and impact of a mobile app for cognitive stimulation implemented among a group of elderly adults (over 60 years of age) from the state of Hidalgo in Mexico. METHODS This study was a nonprobabilistic pilot trial using convenience sampling. An intervention was implemented among a group of 22 older adults between 60 and 80 years of age over 12 weeks. Half of the older adults were stimulated with the mobile app (experimental group) and the other half followed the traditional paper and pencil training (control group). Assessments with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Neuropsi, a neuropsychological test validated in Mexico, were done before and after both cognitive stimulations. RESULTS According to the analyzed data, 6/11 (55%) participants from the experimental group obtained better results in their cognitive skills, and 5 (45%) of the adults maintained their score, given that the participants were able to execute the exercises repetitively. Meanwhile, for the control group, only 3/11 (27%) participants obtained better results in the postevaluation. Significant values for results of the MMSE were obtained in the postevaluation for the experimental group compared to the control group, while results did not show significant differences in the Neuropsi. Regarding the validation of the app, all the participants evaluated its pertinence positively. CONCLUSIONS The intervention data show that the experimental group obtained better results in the postevaluation given that the participants were able to execute the exercises repetitively. The control group could not accomplish this since they had to respond on the manual and no further attempts were provided. However, both groups increased their score in the neuropsychological evaluations. This suggests that a longer and more frequent intervention is required. REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER RR1-10.2196/9603

GROUP WORK IN EVALUATION OF PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE ABOUT CARBOHYDRATES

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meliha Zejnilagić-Hajrić ◽  
◽  
, Adel Polutak ◽  
Ines Nuić ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary School ◽  
Group Work ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Primary School Students ◽  
School Students ◽  
Evaluation Group ◽  
Paper And Pencil ◽  
Experimental Group ◽  
Test Of Knowledge

In this research two different ways of students' reviewing their knowledge in chemistry about carbohydrates are described: group work and discussion with teacher. In experimental group (EG) students were working in groups on their assignments, while in control group (CG) discussion led by teacher was implemented. Results showed better EG students’ achievements on paper-and-pencil test of knowledge on the following class. Keywords: evaluation, group work, teacher-led discussion, carbohydrates.

scholarly journals One-Year Follow-Up of Healthy Older Adults with Electroencephalographic Risk for Neurocognitive Disorder After Neurofeedback Training

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Graciela C. Alatorre-Cruz ◽  
Thalía Fernández ◽  
Susana A. Castro-Chavira ◽  
Mauricio González-López ◽  
Sergio M. Sánchez-Moguel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Theta Activity ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Global Changes ◽  
Healthy Population ◽  
Healthy Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Improvement ◽  
One Year ◽  
Experimental Group

Background: In healthy older adults, excess theta activity is an electroencephalographic (EEG) predictor of cognitive impairment. In a previous study, neurofeedback (NFB) treatment reinforcing reductions theta activity resulted in EEG reorganization and cognitive improvement. Objective: To explore the clinical applicability of this NFB treatment, the present study performed a 1-year follow-up to determine its lasting effects. Methods: Twenty seniors with excessive theta activity in their EEG were randomly assigned to the experimental or control group. The experimental group received an auditory reward when the theta absolute power (AP) was reduced. The control group received the reward randomly. Results: Both groups showed a significant decrease in theta activity at the training electrode. However, the EEG results showed that only the experimental group underwent global changes after treatment. These changes consisted of delta and theta decreases and beta increases. Although no changes were found in any group during the period between the posttreatment evaluation and follow-up, more pronounced theta decreases and beta increases were observed in the experimental group when the follow-up and pretreatment measures were compared. Executive functions showed a tendency to improve two months after treatment which became significant one year later. Conclusion: These results suggest that the EEG and behavioral benefits of this NFB treatment persist for at least one year, which adds up to the available evidence contributing to identifying factors that increase its efficacy level. The relevance of this study lies in its prophylactic features of addressing a clinically healthy population with EEG risk of cognitive decline.

scholarly journals Longitudinal impact and effects of booster sessions in a cognitive training program for healthy elderly

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucas Matias Felix ◽  
Marcela Mansur Alves ◽  
Mariana Teles ◽  
Laura Jamison ◽  
Hudson Golino
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
Passive Control ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Longitudinal Impact ◽  
Healthy Older Adults ◽  
Booster Sessions ◽  
Experimental Group

This paper reports the results from a three-years follow-up study to access the long-term efficacy of a cognitive training for healthy older adults and investigates the effects of booster sessions on the cognitive performance of the participants using an innovative analytical approach from information theory. Design: semi-randomized quasi-experimental controlled design. Participants: 50 healthy older adults, (M = 73.3, SD = 7.77) were assigned into an experimental (N = 25; Mean age = 73.9; SD = 8.62) and a passive control group (N = 25; mean age = 72.9; SD = 6.97). Instruments: six subtests of WAIS and two episodic memory tasks. Procedures: the participants were assessed in four occasions: after the end of the original intervention, pre-booster sessions (three years after the original intervention), immediately after the booster sessions and three months after the booster sessions. Results: the repeated measures ANOVA showed that two gains reported in the original intervention were identified in the follow-up: Coding (F(1, 44) = 11.79, MSE = 0.77, p = .001, ηˆG2 = .084) and Picture Completion (F(1, 47) = 10.01, MSE = 0.73, p = .003, ηˆG2 = .060). After the booster sessions, all variables presented a significant interaction between group and time favorable to the experimental group (moderate to high effect sizes). To compare the level of cohesion of the cognitive variables between the groups, an entropy-based metric was used. The experimental group presented a lower level of cohesion in three of the four measurement occasions, suggesting a differential impact of the intervention with immediate and short-term effects, but without long-term effects.

Gait Training with Wearable Hip-assist Robot Reduce Trunk and Leg Muscle Efforts and Metabolic Energy Consumption in Community Dwelling Elderly Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hwang-Jae Lee ◽  
Su Hyun Lee ◽  
Won Hyuk Chang ◽  
Keehong Seo ◽  
Jusuk Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Gait Training ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Metabolic Energy ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Elderly Adults ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Spatio Temporal ◽  
Gait Function ◽  
Experimental Group

Abstract Background: Wearable types of gait-assist robots have been developed to provide additional advantages such as being easily transportable, producing a more natural gait pattern, and being simple to control. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of intensive gait training with a newly developed wearable hip-assist robot on gait function and cardiopulmonary metabolic energy efficiency in community-dwelling elderly adults. Methods: Total of 27 community-dwelling elderly adults with age-related problems completed in this intervention study (15 experimental group and 12 control group) . The experimental participants received an intensive gait training program with a total of 10 sessions involving five sessions of treadmill and five sessions of over-ground gait training with the wearable hip-assist robot. The control group received gait training without a wearable-hip assist robot. The primary outcomes were gait functions (spatio-temporal parameters and muscle effort). The secondary outcome was cardiopulmonary metabolic energy consumption. Results: Compared to the control group, the experimental group had significantly greater improvements after intervention in spatio-temporal parameters (gait speed, cadence, and stride length) and reduced muscle efforts (trunk and lower extremity) with gait (p < 0.05). In addition, the reduction in oxygen consumption (ml/min/kg) was about 16.31% in the experimental group after intervention. Furthermore, the reduction in the aerobic energy expenditure measurement (Kcal/min) was about 17.36% in the experimental group after intensive gait training with wearable hip-assist robot. All cardiopulmonary metabolic energy consumption parameters in the experimental group were reduced significantly more than in the control group (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The intensive gait training with a wearable hip-assist robot was effective in improving gait function and cardiopulmonary metabolic energy efficiency in community-dwelling elderly adults with age-related problems. Trial registration: NCT02843828, registration date: 07/14/2016 - retrospectively registered

scholarly journals The Effectiveness of a Dyadic Pain Management Program for Community-Dwelling Older Adults with Chronic Pain: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (14) ◽  
pp. 4966
Author(s):  
Ziyan Li ◽  
Mimi Tse ◽  
Angel Tang
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Management Program ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Pain Management Program ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults ◽  
Experimental Group

Background: Chronic pain is a major health problem among older adults and their informal caregivers, which has negative effects on their physical and psychological status. The dyadic pain management program (DPMP) is provided to community-dwelling older adults and informal caregivers to help the dyads reduce pain symptoms, improve the quality of life, develop good exercise habits, as well as cope and break the vicious circle of pain. Methods: A pilot randomized controlled trial was designed and all the dyads were randomly divided into two groups: the DPMP group and control group. Dyads in the DPMP group participated in an 8-week DPMP (4-week face-to-face program and 4-week home-based program), whereas dyads in the control group received one page of simple pain-related information. Results: In total, 64 dyads participated in this study. For baseline comparisons, no significant differences were found between the two groups. After the interventions, the pain score was significantly reduced from 4.25 to 2.57 in the experimental group, respectively. In the repeated measures ANOVA, the differences in pain score (F = 107.787, p < 0.001, d = 0.777) was statistically significant for the group-by-time interaction. After the interventions, the experimental group participants demonstrated significantly higher pain self-efficacy compared with the control group (F = 80.535, p < 0.001, d = 0.722). Furthermore, the elderly increased exercise time significantly (F = 111.212, p < 0.001, d = 0.782) and reported developing good exercise habits. Conclusions: These results provide preliminary support for the effectiveness of a DPMP for relieving the symptoms of chronic pain among the elderly.

scholarly journals An Investigation of Limbs Exercise as a Treatment in Improving the Psychomotor Speed in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 277 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiang ◽  
Chen ◽  
Wang ◽  
Liu
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Psychomotor Speed ◽  
Brain Functions ◽  
Experimental Group ◽  
Limb Exercise

Objectives: This study investigated the effects of therapeutic structured limb exercises intended to improve psychomotor speed in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods: Forty-four patients with mild cognitive impairment who met the inclusion criteria were selected and assigned randomly to either an experimental group (22 patients) or a control group (22 patients). The numbers of participants were selected based on the calculated sample effect size (N = 38). The study involved a 10-week intervention, in which participants completed structured limb exercises during 60-min training sessions delivered three times per week. Forty-one subjects completed the experimental programme. Scores in the Finger Tapping Test (FTT), Purdue Pegboard Test (PPT) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), along with electroencephalography (EEG) data, were collected before, during and after the intervention. The experimental and control groups were compared using repeated measures analysis of variance. Results: The patients with MCI in the experimental group achieved significantly improved scores in the FTT, the PPT and all dimensions of the MoCA. Moreover, these patients exhibited significant increases in the alpha and beta EEG wave power values in all brain areas of MCI patients, indicating that limb exercise training positively influenced their brain functions. Conclusions: The results conclude that a structured therapeutic limb exercise intervention can effectively improve psychomotor speed in patients with MCI and mitigate declines in cognitive function. This training intervention appears to be effective as a treatment for community-dwelling patients with MCI.

scholarly journals 540 - COGNITIVE STIMULATION THROUGH OROICOGNITIVE, A VIRTUAL REALITY APP FOR OLDER PEOPLE

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. 83-83
Author(s):  
Adriana Gómez ◽  
Janeth Carreño ◽  
Alvaro Berroa ◽  
Ane Balenciaga
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Older People ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Cognitive Stimulation ◽  
Daily Activities ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Global Deterioration Scale ◽  
Intelligence Scale ◽  
Visuospatial Skills ◽  
Experimental Group

OBJECTIVE:To analyze the effectiveness of cognitive stimulation carried out through OroiCognitive, a virtual reality app, in older people, as well as its acceptance and attractiveness to them.METHOD:The research was carried out with 31 participants with a number two or three in the global deterioration scale (GDS).15 of these participants were part of the control group, and 16 of the experimental group.The intervention through virtual reality, with exercises more similar to daily activities, allows working on attention, language, memory, orientation, visuospatial skills and executive functions.It was carried out in 12 sessions, 3 times a week, lasting 25 minutes each one, individually.Bouth groups were evaluated using the MINI-MENTAL Cognitive Examination and some subtest of the Weschler Intelligence Scale for adults (WAIS-IV).RESULTS:Regarding to the effectiveness of the stimulation, the results show significant improvements in vocabulary and information in those with GDS2, in the experimental group.No statistically significant improvements were found in the rest of the areas. Regarding the assessment of the tool, 69% of the participants rated it as quite useful and interesting. According to the qualitative data collected by the therapists, the users were happier and more animated during and after the intervention.

scholarly journals Proprioceptive Training to Improve Static and Dynamic Balance in Elderly

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 194-199
Author(s):  
Giovanni Esposito ◽  
Gaetano Altavilla ◽  
Felice Di Domenico ◽  
Sara Aliberti ◽  
Tiziana D’Isanto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Fear Of Falling ◽  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
Step Test ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Static Balance ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Proprioceptive Training ◽  
Risk Of Falls ◽  
Experimental Group

Background: The risk of falls is a major cause of disability in older adults. A single fall, for the elderly, increases the risk of frequent falls and often causes an increased fear of falling again, which can become debilitating. Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to test the effects of 12 weeks of proprioceptive training on the static and dynamic balance of older adults who have experienced at least one fall without compromising consequences. Method: The sample consisted of older adults, aged 60 to 80 years, randomly divided into two groups: an experimental group, which followed a proprioceptive training protocol at a physiotherapy studio, and a control group, which did not observe any treatment. Static and dynamic balance assessment was performed pre-and post-intervention. The tests administered were the Berg Balance Test for the evaluation of static balance, and the Four-Square Step Test, for dynamic balance. A questionnaire to assess confidence and fear of falling was administered at the end of the protocol. Independent sample t-test was performed to analyze differences between groups and two-way ANOVA to test the null hypothesis of no change different over time between groups (interaction intervention × time). A Chi-Square was performed to analyze perceptions. Conclusions: The results showed that 12 weeks of proprioceptive training effectively improved dynamic and static balance in older adults. The perceptions of the experimental group were more positive than the other one, in terms of the importance of physical activity to prevent the risk of falls, fear of falling again, and experience of falls during the last 12 weeks.

scholarly journals The Dual-Language Semantic Computerized Program (DISC) Maintained Local Switch Costs in MCI Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 520-521
Author(s):  
W Quin Yow ◽  
Hui-Ching Chen ◽  
Tharshini Lokanathan
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Task Switching ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Accelerated Aging ◽  
Cognitive Tasks ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Final Sample ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Switching Task ◽  
Experimental Group

Abstract It has been proposed that switching cost deficit in executive control (Velichkovsky et al., 2020) could be used as an early marker for abnormal aging processes. Although research with technology-based intervention has shown benefits in improving cognitive performance with older adults, the overall results are mixed (Ge et al, 2018). This study aims to investigate whether computerized intervention program (e.g., DISC) would help to reduce the switching costs deficits in mild-to-moderate cognitively-impaired older adults (MCI-OA). Fourteen MCI-OA (79.75±6,94) and 9 cognitively-healthy OA (age 77,25±6,9) were randomly assigned to an experimental group or a control group (a final sample size of 30 MCI and 40 cognitive-healthy older adults would be ready by conference time). All participants first completed a set of cognitive tasks as part of a larger study (i.e., pre-tests) (e.g., MMSE, Ravens, cued-base Task Switching Task). The experimental group then played cognitive games on a touch-screen tablet for about 30-40 minutes per session with a total of 24 sessions over 8-12 weeks. The control group continued their daily activity as per usual for 8-12 weeks. Participants were then asked to complete the same set of cognitive tasks again post-test. Control group MCI-OA performed worse for the local costs in the cued Task Switching task (p&lt;.05), whereas experimental group MCI-OA maintained their performance (p=.40) post-test compared to pre-test. All cognitively-healthy OA did not show any difference in performance irrespective of condition. This suggests that the DISC program could be an effective tool in slowing down the abnormal accelerated aging process.

scholarly journals A Home-Based Individual Cognitive Stimulation Program for Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosa Silva ◽  
Elzbieta Bobrowicz-Campos ◽  
Paulo Santos-Costa ◽  
Ana Rita Cruz ◽  
João Apóstolo
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Cognitive Stimulation ◽  
Attrition Rate ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Home Based

Objective: This study aims to assess the feasibility and meaningfulness of a home-based individual cognitive stimulation (iCS) program delivered by caregivers to persons with cognitive impairment (PwCIs). It also aims to assess whether the older adults receiving this program improved their cognitive, neuropsychiatric, and depressive symptoms and quality of life and whether their caregivers improved their mental and physical health.Methods: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted with PwCI-caregiver dyads recruited from the community. Participants were allocated to two groups: intervention (n = 28) and control (n = 24). The intervention group received the European Portuguese version of the Individual Cognitive Stimulation Program—Making a Difference 3 (MD3-P). The control group received usual care. The iCS therapy program was implemented three times a week for 12 weeks. Caregivers were supported by the researchers to deliver the sessions at home. Participants were assessed at baseline and at the end of the intervention (week 13). Feasibility and meaningfulness were assessed through the attrition rate, adherence, and degree of satisfaction with the sessions. Four interviews were conducted (after week 13) to understand participants’ experiences.Results: The attrition rate was 23.1%. The dyads reported that they did not have high expectations about the iCS program before starting the study. Nevertheless, as the program evolved, caregivers noted that their family members had improved some areas of functioning. Intention-to-treat analysis based on group differences revealed a significant improvement in PwCIs’ cognition, specifically in their orientation and ability to follow commands. The intervention had no impact on other variables such as caregivers’ physical and mental health.Conclusion: The iCS program implemented by caregivers showed promising results in improving PwCIs’ cognition. The participants who completed the intervention attributed a positive meaning to the MD3-P, confirming it as a valid non-pharmacological therapeutic approach to reducing frailty in PwCIs in community settings.Clinical Trial Registration:www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier [NCT03514095].

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