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A Computerized Functional Skills Assessment and Training Program Targeting Technology Based Everyday Functional Skills
Published on: February 13, 2020
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A Computerized Functional Skills Assessment and Training Program Targeting Technology Based Everyday Functional
Philip D Harvey1, Lize Tibiriçá2, Peter Kallestrup3
1University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; i-Function; pharvey@miami.edu.
Journal of Visualized Experiments : Jove
|March 3, 2020
Summary
Computerized functional skills training (CFST) significantly improved task completion times for older adults, including those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Adding cognitive training (CCT) did not enhance results but allowed for fewer sessions.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Many essential daily activities are now technology-dependent.
- Older adults, including those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), may face challenges with these technology-based functional skills.
- Effective training programs are crucial for maintaining independence and quality of life in aging populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a computerized functional skills training (CFST) program for older adults.
- To investigate the impact of supplementing CFST with commercially available cognitive training (CCT) on skill acquisition.
- To compare training outcomes between non-impaired older adults (NC) and those with MCI.
Main Methods:
- A 12-week randomized controlled trial involving 95 older adults (aged 60+), comprising NC (n=45) and MCI (n=50) groups.
- Participants were assigned to either CFST alone or a combination of CFST and CCT.
- Training focused on technology-based tasks such as ATM use, internet banking, and online shopping, with completion time as the primary outcome measure.
Main Results:
- Both NC and MCI groups showed significant improvements in task completion times (average 45% reduction) from baseline to post-training.
- No significant differences in improvement were observed between the NC and MCI groups.
- Combining CCT with CFST did not yield greater improvements compared to CFST alone, although it allowed for equivalent gains with fewer sessions.
Conclusions:
- Computerized functional skills training is effective in improving technology-based task performance for older adults, including those with MCI.
- While CCT supplementation did not boost functional gains, it may enable more efficient training, particularly for individuals with cognitive impairments.
- These findings highlight the potential for technology-assisted interventions to enhance functional independence in aging populations.
