Effects of home-based manual dexterity training on cognitive function among older adults: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background The relationship between manual dexterity and cognitive function among older adults is well known; however, few studies have focused on manual dexterity training that confirms cognitive load of training in older adults through functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and verifies the effect of training. This study examined the effects of home-based manual dexterity training on cognitive function in older adults using a digital trail-making peg test device combining two conventional assessment tools namely, the peg and trail-making tests. Methods For 12 weeks, 57 healthy older adults aged 65–88 years participated in a parallel-group, randomized controlled trial, wherein home-based manual dexterity training was performed for approximately 20 min daily. To quantify the cognitive load in different manual dexterity conditions, we assessed the cortical activation patterns of the prefrontal cortex via a wearable four-channel fNIRS device. Participants in the control group were asked to continue their usual daily routines during the intervention period. Cognitive function was assessed using the Stroop Color and Word and Cognitive Impairment Tests. Manual dexterity was assessed using the Purdue Pegboard Test. All outcomes were estimated before and after the intervention. Results We observed significant differences in prefrontal cortical activation between the different manual dexterity conditions. Only the intervention group showed a significant improvement in Stroop interference (169.0–108.9 ms, p = 0.032) and an executive function and assembly task of the Purdue Pegboard Test (22.5–26.4 counts, p < 0.001). Additionally, except the clock drawing task, cognitive function had a larger effect size (Cohen’s d) in the intervention group (d = 0.26–0.45) than in the control group (d = 0.11–0.28). Conclusions Home-based manual dexterity training can improve performance in a complex manual dexterity task and executive functioning in older adults. Trial registration UMIN-CTR Clinical Trial, UMIN000047203. Registered 17 March 2022 – Retrospectively registered, https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr.cgi?function=brows&action=brows&recptno=R000053844&type=summary&language=E

Hemodynamics of short-duration light-intensity physical exercise in the prefrontal cortex of children: a functional near-infrared spectroscopy study

“…One factor that may have contributed to the increase in PFC activity is the strong association between hand and finger movements and the PFC. Previous studies in older adults demonstrated that hand and finger manipulation exercises increase blood flow to the PFC and improve executive function 46 . Regarding the improvement in cerebral blood flow to the PFC, the results of Event F in the present study are consistent with previous findings.…”

“…Light-intensity exercises were selected from a list of commonly practiced static and dynamic stretching exercises 50 , 51 . In addition, as previous studies have shown that hand and balance exercises activate the prefrontal cortex 46 , 48 , 52 , these exercises were also included. All events were performed while seated, except for the standing balance exercise, to minimize body movement noise.…”

Cognitive and neurobehavioural disorders in school-age children in Haut-Katanga province, an environment exposed to trace metals

“…Relational and hyperactivity scores were negatively correlated with social cognition and facial recognition of affect, indicating the importance of social cognition and theory of mind in relational life and social conduct [24]. High scores of social conduct, hyperactivity and negative impact of behavioural di culties were negatively associated with digital dexterity performance, suggesting possible prefrontal impairment in hyperactivity and social conduct disorder [25].…”

Construction and evaluation of a neurofeedback system using finger tapping and near-infrared spectroscopy

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