Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 18, 2026
A Training Program Using an Agility Ladder for Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Published on: March 7, 2020
Feasibility of a short-term intensive home-based cognitive and physical training program for older adults: a
Seyoung Shin1, Ikhyun Lim1,2, Hongsuk Baik1
1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, 59 Yatap-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, 13496, Republic of Korea.
Background:
Previous studies note the significant effects of Cognitive Training on older adults, but achieving consensus on optimal dosage is challenging due to intervention protocol heterogeneity. Short-term training seems preferable for clinical use due to potential dropout among older adults during long-term intervention. This feasibility study aimed to explore preliminary changes in cognitive and functional outcomes following a 4-week home-based cognitive and physical training program.
Methods:
This prospective single-arm intervention study enrolled older adults aged ≥ 65 years who were capable of independently performing activities of daily living. Adults with a Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) score of < 24 points, a history of any brain injury, or difficulty in continuing the intervention were excluded. The training program comprised 1-2-hour cognitive tasks and 1-hour physical exercise for 5 days per week for 4 consecutive weeks. The MMSE, Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and modified Barthel Index (MBI) scores were assessed before and after the intervention. Functional outcomes were analyzed according to compliance level.
Results:
Twenty-five participants were enrolled and completed the trial. After the intervention, preliminary changes were observed in MMSE, RBANS-attention, BBS, and MBI scores (P < 0.05). The RBANS total score (primary outcome) did not significantly change. However, exploratory analyses showed a significant within-group change in the RBANS attention domain. The high-compliance group showed greater increments in RBANS short memory and delayed memory indices and BBS scores than the low-compliance group (P < 0.05).
Conclusion:
These findings suggest preliminary feasibility signals rather than evidence of efficacy, and controlled trials are needed to confirm these observations.
Trial Registration:
The trial registration number of this study is NCT06648343 (retrospectively registered: Oct 16, 2024).
