Research Article
Effect of a Kinect-based exercise game on improving executive cognitive performance in community-dwelling elderly
@INPROCEEDINGS{10.4108/icst.pervasivehealth.2013.252253, author={Hiroki Kayama and Kazuya Okamoto and Shu Nishiguchi and Minoru Yamada and Tomohiro Kuroda and Tomoki Aoyama}, title={Effect of a Kinect-based exercise game on improving executive cognitive performance in community-dwelling elderly}, proceedings={ICTs for improving Patients Rehabilitation Research Techniques}, publisher={IEEE}, proceedings_a={REHAB}, year={2013}, month={5}, keywords={fall prevention cognitive function dual-task training elderly}, doi={10.4108/icst.pervasivehealth.2013.252253} }- Hiroki Kayama
Kazuya Okamoto
Shu Nishiguchi
Minoru Yamada
Tomohiro Kuroda
Tomoki Aoyama
Year: 2013
Effect of a Kinect-based exercise game on improving executive cognitive performance in community-dwelling elderly
REHAB
IEEE
DOI: 10.4108/icst.pervasivehealth.2013.252253
Abstract
Decrease of Dual-Task (DT) ability is known to be one of fall-risk factors. We developed a new game concept, Dual-Task Tai Chi (DTTC), using Kinect (Microsoft Co.), a motion-capture device, and demonstrated that the DTTC test can quantitatively evaluate various functions that are known risk factors for falling in elderly adults. Moreover, DT training has been attracting attention as a way to improve balance and DT ability. However, only a few studies have reported that it improves cognitive performance. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to demonstrate whether or not a 12-week program of DTTC training would effectively improve cognitive functions. A total of 41 elderly individuals (training group: n = 26, control group: n = 15) participated in this study and their cognitive functions were assessed before and after DTTC training. Significant differences were observed between the two groups with significant group × time interactions for the executive cognitive function measure: Δtrail-making test (part B–part A) (p < 0.05). The results suggest that DTTC training is effective for improving executive cognitive functions.