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 Sciences40 enrolled

Overview

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.

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.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

Purpose

HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Interventions

Technology-Assisted Block Training ProgramBEHAVIORAL

This study, drawing on the theories proposed by Aguilar Ramirez et al. (2022) and Shepard and Metzler (1971), developed a mental rotation application and a corresponding block-building lesson plan. Participants then engaged in individual block-building activities, guided by the lesson plan, to train their spatial reasoning skills. Finally, the developed APP was used for mental rotation training, and its suitability and feasibility were rigorously validated through expert review and a pilot study. a. Mental Rotation Virtual Reality APP: The APP's content was validated by interdisciplinary experts (including gerontology, activity planning, cognitive training, and information technology) to ensure its appropriateness and feasibility. The APP incorporates technology-assisted elements, such as real-time feedback and personalized difficulty adjustment for the mental rotation exercises, to enhance training effectiveness and participant motivation. Furthermore, the built-in "Creative Showcase"

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Cognitive Function - Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)

Description: The MoCA is a 30-point cognitive screening tool with established reliability in older adults. Higher scores indicate better cognitive function. Unit of Measure: Points on a 30-point scale

Time frame: Time Frame: Baseline, pre-intervention

Spatial Cognition - Mental Rotation Test

Description: The Mental Rotation Test assesses spatial cognition. Higher numbers of correct responses indicate better mental rotation ability. Unit of Measure: Number of correct responses

Time frame: Baseline , pre-intervention

Hand Grip Strength - Jamar Hydraulic Hand Dynamometer

Description: Grip strength of each hand is measured using the Jamar dynamometer. Three trials per hand will be averaged. Higher values indicate greater grip strength. Unit of Measure: Kilograms (kg)

Time frame: Baseline ,pre-intervention

Hand Dexterity - Purdue Pegboard Test

Description: The Purdue Pegboard Test assesses fine motor skills and dexterity of the hands and fingers. The score reflects the number of pegs correctly placed in the allotted time. Unit of Measure: Number of pegs placed

Time frame: Baseline ,pre-intervention

Well-Being - WHO-5 Well-Being Index

Description: The WHO-5 consists of five items rated on a 25-point scale. Higher scores indicate better well-being and quality of life. Unit of Measure: Points on a 25-point scale

Time frame: Baseline , pre-intervention

System Usability - System Usability Scale (SUS)

Description: The SUS assesses usability, learnability, and satisfaction with technology-based systems. Scores range from 0 to 100; higher scores indicate better usability. Unit of Measure: Score on a 0-100 scale

Time frame: Baseline , pre-intervention