Motor-cognitive effects of a computerized game-based training method in people with dementia: a randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT

Objectives: To examine the effects of a computerized, game-based training on motor-cognitive performances, the transfer of training effects on untrained tasks, and the sustainability of training gains in people with dementia.

Method: Ninety-nine individuals with a mean age of 82.9 (5.8) and dementia participated in a 10-week randomized controlled trial with three-month follow-up. The intervention group (IG) received a motor-cognitive training on (Physiomat®) including concurrent dual-tasks of balance control with cognitive demands (Physiomat®-Trail Making Tasks (PTMTs)). The control group (CG) performed non-specific, low-intensity exercises. Duration and accuracy at different complexity levels of trained and untrained PTMTs and the number of successfully performed tasks (PTMT score) were assessed.

Results: Physiomat® training significantly improved the duration and accuracy at almost all complexity levels of trained (P ≤ 0.001–0.047, η_p² = 0.065–0.589) and untrained PTMTs (P < 0.001–0.005, η_p² = 0.073–0.459). Significant effects were also found for the PTMT score of trained (P < 0.001, η_p² = 0.211) and untrained PTMTs (P < 0.001, η_p² = 0.184). Training gains were partly sustained at follow-up.

Conclusion: Physiomat® is feasible and has the potential to sustainably improve motor-cognitive performances in people with dementia.

KEYWORDS:

• Dementia
• exergame
• cognition
• motor-cognitive functions
• training

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Acknowledgment

We kindly thank M. Günther-Lange for her assistance in training and supervising the participants.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The study was supported by the Dietmar Hopp Stiftung, the Robert Bosch Stiftung, and the Network of Aging Research (NAR). Mrs. Lemke received the Robert Bosch grant.