Abstract
BackgroundPrevious studies indicated that the behavioral performances of older adults could be enhanced by multisensory integration. This pilot study tested the benefits of an audiovisual integrative (AV) training for improving the cognitive and upper limb motor functions in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).MethodsTwenty participants, according to their MoCA scores, with ten in each of a MCI (mean age = 63.3 years) and healthy older adult group (mean age = 64.7 years), engaged in AV integrative training. They were recruited from the Institute of Active Ageing at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The screening was conducted from February to March 2018 and the training program which consisted of three sessions (2 h each) was conducted from 14-28th May 2018. Their executive function, attention and upper limb functions were measured by the Stroop Test and Purdue Pegboard Test respectively.ResultsThe mixed linear model analysis results showed significant Time x Group interaction effects in the time used in the Stroop Test (dots) (p = 0.042) and the Purdue Pegboard scores (non-dominant hand use) (p = 0.025). The MCI group exhibited significantly more improvements in attentional control and non-dominant hand motor functions after the training.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that the AV integrative training has the potential for enhancing the cognitive and motor functions of older adults with MCI. Furthermore, AV integrative training can serve as an alternative non-pharmacological intervention for combating neurodegeneration in older adults.Trial registrationThis study has been retrospectively registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry which is a World Health Organisation approved registry. Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials ChiCTR2000029408, January 29th, 2020.
Highlights
Previous studies indicated that the behavioral performances of older adults could be enhanced by multisensory integration
Previous studies indicated that behavioral performances can be enhanced by multisensory integration [2]
In terms of the treatment effects, significant Time x Group interaction effects were found in the time used in the Stroop Test (p = 0.042) and the Purdue Pegboard scores (p = 0.025) (Table 1)
Summary
Previous studies indicated that the behavioral performances of older adults could be enhanced by multisensory integration. Zuo and colleagues found that enhanced task performance was correlated with the audiovisual super-additive effect only in an older but not younger group [7] They further observed that the super-additive effect was associated with the declined attention function of their older participants, which corresponds to the notion that older adults tend to voluntarily compensate for their age-related neurodegeneration as asserted by Grady [8]. Laurienti et al reported that AV integration ameliorated age-related decline in cognitive functions such as attention [6] These findings suggest that AV integration benefits older adults in different age-related outcomes, they have yet to be translated to intervention training programs for older adults
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
