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. 2023 Dec 29;7(1):1475-1490.
doi: 10.3233/ADR-230099. eCollection 2023.

Effects of Virtual Reality Physical and Cognitive Training Intervention On Cognitive Abilities of Elders with Mild Cognitive Impairment

Eleni Baldimtsi  1   2 , Christos Mouzakidis  1 , Eleni Maria Karathanasi  1 , Eleni Verykouki  3   4 , Mary Hassandra  5 , Evangelos Galanis  5 , Antonis Hatzigeorgiadis  5 , Marios Goudas  5 , Paul Zikas  6 , Giannis Evangelou  6 , George Papagiannakis  6   7 , George Bellis  8 , Christos Kokkotis  5   8 , Themistoklis Tsatalas  5 , Giannis Giakas  5 , Yannis Theodorakis  5 , Magda Tsolaki  1   9
Affiliations

Effects of Virtual Reality Physical and Cognitive Training Intervention On Cognitive Abilities of Elders with Mild Cognitive Impairment

Eleni Baldimtsi et al. J Alzheimers Dis Rep. .

Abstract

Background: Virtual reality (VR) technology has become increasingly used for assessment and intervention in the neuroscience field.

Objective: We aimed to investigate the effects of a VR Training System, named VRADA (VR Exercise App for Dementia and Alzheimer's Patients), on the cognitive functioning of older people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Methods: In this intervention study, 122 older adults with MCI were randomly assigned to five groups (the VRADA group (n = 28), a bike group (n = 11), a physical exercise group (n = 24), a mixed group (physical and cognitive exercise) (n = 31), and a non-contact control group (n = 28). The VRADA group underwent 32 physical and cognitive training sessions, performed 2 or 3 times weekly for 12 weeks in the VR environment. All participants had detailed neuropsychological assessments before and after intervention.

Results: A series of linear regression models revealed that the VRADA group showed improvement or no deterioration in cognitive decline in global cognitive function (MMSE), verbal memory (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test and WAIS forward test), and executive functions, mental flexibility (Trail Making Test B).

Conclusions: This interventionstudy indicates that the VRADA system improves the cognitive function of elders with MCI.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; mild cognitive impairment; multi-component intervention; physical-cognitive training; virtual reality.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no conflict of interest to report.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Flow of the participants.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Diagram for the Cognitive Assessment.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
The Oculus Go Head-Mounted display.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Selection by the user of the duration of the training session.
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
User selects the correct answer.
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Closing scene after each session.
Fig. 7
Fig. 7
The forest where the animals appeared.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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