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Virtual Reality and Exercise Training Enhance Brain, Cognitive, and Physical Health in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment

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  • Ja-Gyeong Yang

    (Department of Health Sciences, Graduate School, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Korea
    Laboratory of Smart Healthcare, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Korea
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Ngeemasara Thapa

    (Department of Health Sciences, Graduate School, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Korea
    Laboratory of Smart Healthcare, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Korea
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Hye-Jin Park

    (Department of Health Sciences, Graduate School, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Korea
    Laboratory of Smart Healthcare, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Korea)

  • Seongryu Bae

    (Department of Health Sciences, Graduate School, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Korea
    Laboratory of Smart Healthcare, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Korea)

  • Kyung Won Park

    (Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Dong-A University, Busan 49201, Korea)

  • Jong-Hwan Park

    (Health Convergence Medicine Laboratory, Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan 49241, Korea)

  • Hyuntae Park

    (Department of Health Sciences, Graduate School, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Korea
    Laboratory of Smart Healthcare, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Korea)

Abstract

We investigated the effectiveness of virtual-reality-based cognitive training (VRCT) and exercise on the brain, cognitive, physical and activity of older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods: This study included 99 participants (70.8 ± 5.4) with MCI in the VRCT, exercise, and control groups. The VRCT consisted of a series of games targeting different brain functions such as executive function, memory, and attention. Twenty-four sessions of VRCT (three days/week) were performed, and each session was 100 min long. Exercise intervention consisted of aerobic and resistance trainings performed in 24 sessions for 60 min (2 times/week for 12 weeks). Global cognitive function was measured using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) test. Resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) of the neural oscillatory activity in different frequency bands was performed. Physical function was measured using handgrip strength (HGS) and gait speed. Results: After the intervention period, VRCT significantly improved the MMSE scores ( p < 0.05), and the exercise group had significantly improved HGS and MMSE scores ( p < 0.05) compared to baseline. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) of resting-state EEG showed a decreased theta/beta power ratio (TBR) ( p < 0.05) in the central region of the brain in the exercise group compared to the control group. Although not statistically significant, the VRCT group also showed a decreased TBR compared to the control group. The analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) test showed a significant decrease in theta band power in the VRCT group compared to the exercise group and a decrease in delta/alpha ratio in the exercise group compared to the VRCT group. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that VRCT and exercise training enhances brain, cognitive, and physical health in older adults with MCI. Further studies with a larger population sample to identify the effect of VRCT in combination with exercise training are required to yield peak benefits for patients with MCI.

Suggested Citation

  • Ja-Gyeong Yang & Ngeemasara Thapa & Hye-Jin Park & Seongryu Bae & Kyung Won Park & Jong-Hwan Park & Hyuntae Park, 2022. "Virtual Reality and Exercise Training Enhance Brain, Cognitive, and Physical Health in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-14, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:20:p:13300-:d:943089
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jiali Qian & Daniel J. McDonough & Zan Gao, 2020. "The Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Exercise on Individual’s Physiological, Psychological and Rehabilitative Outcomes: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-17, June.
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