軽度認知障害のある高齢者を対象とした在宅低強度運動ゲームの認知機能に対する実現可能性

Combined physical-cognitive training has shown beneficial effects on cognition in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, most interventions employ moderate-to-high intensity, which may limit accessibility for individuals with health concerns. Whether low-intensity exercise provides similar cognitive benefits remains inconclusive. Delivering such training through home-based exergame may improve adherence. This study evaluated the feasibility of a home-based, low-intensity exergame for older adults with MCI.

Older adults with MCI completed 50-min exergaming sessions, triweekly, for 4 weeks. Feasibility outcomes, including recruitment, adherence, adverse events, enjoyment, and cognitive and physical performance, were evaluated at baseline and post-intervention. Cognitive performance was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), 10-word recall test, digit span, and verbal fluency tests. Physical performance was assessed with the four-square step and five-times sit-to-stand tests.

Fifteen older adults with MCI (mean age 66.07 ± 4.36 years; 75% recruitment rate) participated. The average adherence rate was 93.33% (11.2 sessions), with no adverse events or attrition reported. Enjoyment significantly increased from week 1 to week 4 (p = 0.001). Significant cognitive improvements were demonstrated for the 10-word immediate and delayed recall (p = 0.03, p = 0.002), MoCA total scores (p = 0.002), and MoCA sub-domains: executive function (p = 0.007), language (p = 0.034), and delayed recall (p = 0.001). No significant changes were observed in physical performance.

Home-based, low-intensity exergaming is a safe, feasible, and enjoyable approach for older adults with MCI. Preliminary findings suggest potential cognitive benefits of low-intensity exergaming in improving cognitive function, which warrant confirmation in a large-scale, rigorous randomized controlled trial.