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Synchrony in Old Age: Playing the Mirror Game Improves Cognitive Performance
Shoshi Keisari1, Rinat Feniger-Schaal2, Yuval Palgi1,3
1Department of Gerontology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
Clinical Gerontologist
|August 9, 2020
Summary
The mirror-game, a synchronized movement activity, improved mood and attention in older adults. This novel intervention shows potential for enhancing social-emotional and cognitive functions in daily care.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Social Psychology
- Cognitive Neuroscience
Background:
- Synchronized motion positively influences social and emotional functions.
- The mirror-game, a dyadic synchronized movement paradigm, incorporates playfulness and spontaneity.
- Existing research highlights the benefits of synchronized activities for well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of the mirror-game on subjective and cognitive measures in older adults.
- To compare the impact of the mirror-game with a physical exercise control condition.
Main Methods:
- A within-group study design involved 34 older adults (aged 71-98).
- Participants engaged in two 9-minute movement sessions: mirror-game and physical exercise.
- Socio-emotional and attentional functions were assessed pre- and post-intervention.
Main Results:
- The mirror-game significantly enhanced attention sub-scale performance.
- Participants demonstrated faster detection of spoken words in noise after the mirror-game.
- Perceived partner responsiveness and positive reported experiences increased.
Conclusions:
- The mirror-game shows immediate positive effects on mood and certain attentional functions in older adults.
- This synchrony-based intervention offers potential benefits for social-emotional and cognitive health.
- The mirror-game is a novel, easily implementable intervention for older adult care.
Keywords:
Mirror gameattentionexerciseinterventionolder adultsperceived partner responsivenessplayfulnesssynchronyMore Related Videos
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