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The Impact of a Home-Based Computerized Cognitive Training Intervention on Fall Risk Measure Performance in Community
J Blackwood1, T Shubert, K Fogarty
1J. Blackwood, University of Michigan-Flint, Physical Therapy, 303 East Kearsley Street, Flint, MI 48502, USA, 8107623373, FAX: 8107666668, jblackwo@umflint.edu.
The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging
|January 27, 2016
Summary
A six-week home-based computerized cognitive training (CCT) program was feasible for older adults. This cognitive intervention improved gait speed, a key fall risk measure.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Cognitive intervention studies demonstrate improvements in cognitive functions and transfer effects.
- Web-based cognitive training programs exist, but most studies require researcher supervision.
- Home-based cognitive training offers a scalable approach to cognitive enhancement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the feasibility of a 6-week home-based computerized cognitive training (CCT) program for community-dwelling older adults.
- To determine if CCT focusing on set shifting, attention, and visual-spatial ability impacts fall risk measures.
- To assess the adherence and retention rates of a home-based CCT program.
Main Methods:
- Pilot study utilizing a pretest/posttest experimental design with randomization.
- Participants included community-dwelling older adults (mean age 74.6 years).
- Intervention group engaged in 6 weeks of home-based CCT (3x/week), with comparisons on physical function measures at baseline and week 7.
Main Results:
- High adherence (86%) and retention (92%) rates were observed for the home-based CCT program.
- A statistically significant improvement in gait speed (0.14 m/s average) was found in the intervention group compared to the control group.
- No significant differences were reported for other physical function measures between groups.
Conclusions:
- A home-based CCT program is a feasible method for addressing cognitive impairments in older adults.
- This approach can positively influence fall risk factors, specifically gait speed.
- Computerized cognitive training shows promise for improving physical function and reducing fall risk in aging populations.
