Critical review of multisensory integration programs and proposal of a theoretical framework for its combination with neurocognitive training

ABSTRACT

Introduction

The main purpose of this manuscript is to critically review the Multisensory Integration (MI) training programs applied to older adults, their characteristics, target sensory systems, efficacy, assessment methods, and results. We also intend to propose an integrated framework to support combined interventions of neurocognitive and sensory training.

Areas covered

A critical review was conducted covering the most relevant literature on the MI training programs applied to older adults. Two MI training programs applied to cognitively healthy older adults were found: (a) audio-visual temporal discrimination training and (b) simultaneity judgment training. Both led to the improvement of the MI between pre- and post-training. However, only the audio-visual temporal discrimination training led to the generalization of the improvements to another MI task.

Expert opinion

Considering the relationship between sensory and cognitive functioning, this review supports the potential advantages of combining MI with neurocognitive training in the rehabilitation of older adults. We suggested that this can be achieved within the framework of Branched Programmed Neurocognitive Training (BPNT). Criteria for deciding the most suitable multisensory intervention, that is, MI or Multisensory Stimulation, and general guidelines for the development of MI intervention protocols with older adults with or without cognitive impairment are provided.

KEYWORDS:

• Aging
• multisensory integration
• branched programmed neurocognitive training
• dementia
• older adults

Article highlights

• Few studies focused on intervention programs using MI tasks.

• MI programs had positive results in older adults.

• Combining Multisensory Integration with neurocognitive training is supported.

• BPNT may serve as a framework to combine MI with neurocognitive training.

Declaration of interest

A Dores is a researcher of School of Health, Polytechnic Institute of Porto, Porto, Portugal, supported by FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia [Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology] through R&D Units funding (UIDB/05210/2020). The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Reviewer disclosures

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.