The Effect of Deep Micro Vibrotactile Stimulation on Cognitive Function of Mild Cognitive Impairment and Mild
Ayuto Kodama1, Yasuhiro Suzuki2, Kazuki Sakuraba3
1Advanced Research Center for Geriatric and Gerontology, Akita University, Akita 010-8543, Japan.
Abstract:
Background: The purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of Deep Micro Vibrotactile (DMV) stimulation on the cognitive functions in elderly people with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia. Methods: A total of 35 participants with dementia from three nursing homes, who had completed treatment with DMV stimulation at 15−40 Hz (hereinafter, 15−40 Hz DMV stimulation) for a month were recruited for this study. The subjects had received continuous 15−40 Hz DMV stimulation for 24 h a day for 1 month. We assessed the effect of the treatment on the cognitive functions (by the word list memory (WM) test, trail making test-part A (TMT-A) and part B (TMT-B), and symbol digit substitution task (SDST)) and physical functions (grip strength (GS) and usual walking speed (UWS)), by comparing the results at the baseline and after the 1-month intervention (DMV stimulation). Results: The results revealed that the performances in the WM test (p < 0.05), TMT-B (p < 0.05), and SDST (p < 0.01) improved significantly after the intervention. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that 15−40 Hz DMV stimulation is might be effective for improving the cognitive functions in elderly people with dementia. Furthermore, our novel findings showed the different effectiveness of the treatment depending on the stage of cognitive impairments.
Insights
Deep Micro Vibrotactile (DMV) stimulation may improve cognitive functions in elderly individuals with dementia. This 1-month intervention showed significant enhancements in memory and executive function tests.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Mild cognitive impairment and dementia significantly impact elderly individuals' quality of life.
- Non-pharmacological interventions are crucial for managing cognitive decline in aging populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of Deep Micro Vibrotactile (DMV) stimulation on cognitive functions in elderly individuals with dementia.
- To explore the potential of DMV stimulation as a novel therapeutic approach for cognitive enhancement.
Main Methods:
- A 1-month intervention study involving 35 participants with dementia from nursing homes.
- Continuous 15–40 Hz DMV stimulation applied 24 hours daily.
- Cognitive functions assessed using Word List Memory (WM) test, Trail Making Test (TMT)-A and B, and Symbol Digit Substitution Task (SDST).
Main Results:
- Significant improvements observed in WM test (p < 0.05), TMT-B (p < 0.05), and SDST (p < 0.01) performances post-intervention.
- The study suggests a positive impact of DMV stimulation on specific cognitive domains.
Conclusions:
- 15–40 Hz DMV stimulation shows promise in improving cognitive functions for elderly individuals with dementia.
- The effectiveness of DMV stimulation may vary depending on the stage of cognitive impairment.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Cognitive Development During Adulthood
Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment


