Effects of Virtual Reality Motor-Cognitive Training for Older People With Cognitive Frailty: Multicentered Randomized...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Cognitive frailty is a syndrome where physical frailty and mild cognitive impairment coexist in older adults.
• Motor-cognitive training and virtual reality (VR) show promise for improving health in older populations.
• The specific impact of VR motor-cognitive training on individuals with cognitive frailty remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of VR motor-cognitive training (VRMCT) on older adults diagnosed with cognitive frailty.
• To assess VRMCT's impact on global cognitive function, physical frailty, and specific cognitive domains.

Main Methods:

• A multicentered, assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial was conducted with 293 participants aged ≥60 years.
• The intervention group received 16 VRMCT sessions over 8 weeks, while the control group received usual care.
• Data on cognitive function and physical frailty were collected at baseline and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• VRMCT significantly improved global cognitive function (P=.03) and reduced physical frailty (P=.03).
• A marginal improvement was observed in executive function (P=.07).
• High attendance rates (81.6%) and minimal VR sickness (0.7%-3%) were reported.

Conclusions:

• VR motor-cognitive training is an effective and well-tolerated intervention for older adults with cognitive frailty.
• The study highlights VRMCT's potential for enhancing cognitive function and reducing physical frailty.
• Further research is recommended to explore intervention components, technology's role in adherence, and long-term effects.