Effectiveness of a Culturally Tailored Augmented Reality Cognitive-Physical Training Program on Executive Functions in Community-Dwelling Older Adults at Risk of Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Single-Arm Pre–Post Study
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of an augmented reality (AR)-based cognitive-physical training program in enhancing executive functions, specifically inhibition, working memory, cognitive flexibility, and processing speed, among community-dwelling older adults at risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
Material and Methods: A single-group pre-test/post-test design was conducted with 20 older adults aged 60 to 78 years (mean=66.8±4.6). Participants underwent 18 individual training sessions (45–60 minutes each), three times weekly over a period of 1.5 months. The intervention consisted of five AR-based modules that incorporated Kinect motion sensor technology to capture participants’ body movements and translate them into interactive tasks. Each module targeted specific cognitive functions: memory (recalling and reproducing sequences), attention and inhibition (selective responses while ignoring distractors), cognitive flexibility (task switching), and processing speed (rapid responses to time-limited cues). Executive functions were assessed using computerized neuropsychological tasks before and after the intervention. Paired t-tests were used to compare pre- and post-intervention outcomes.
Results: Significant improvements were observed in inhibition, cognitive flexibility, and processing speed, as evidenced by increased accuracy and reduced reaction times. Simple working memory accuracy also improved, although changes in reaction time were not statistically significant.
Conclusion: The AR-based cognitive-physical training program demonstrated positive effects on executive functions among community-dwelling older adults at risk of mild cognitive impairment. Participants showed improvements in cognitive flexibility, reaction time, and task performance. These findings highlight the value of culturally adapted interventions in supporting executive functioning. Further studies with larger samples and randomized controlled designs are warranted.
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