Effects of Computer-aided Cognitive Rehabilitation training and balance exercise on cognitive and visual perception ability of the elderly

Abstract

[Purpose] This study examined the effects of computer-aided cognitive rehabilitation (CACR) training and balance exercise on elderly individuals' cognitive and visual perception. [Subjects] Thirty healthy subjects aged between 65 and 80 participated in this study. They were randomly and equally assigned to either a CACR training group (TG) or a balance exercise group (BEG). [Methods] Subjects' cognitive functions and visual perception were measured using the Korean mini-mental state examination (MMSE-K) and the motor-free visual perception test (MVPT-3), respectively. For intervention methods, the TG received interval vision training using the RehaCom program, a Cognitive Rehabilitation Computer Program derived the Vienna Test System, and vision composition training with attention training programs for 30 minutes, 3 times per week, for 6 weeks. The BEG training consisting of warm-up exercises, main exercises, and cool-down exercises, for 50 minutes, 3 times per week, for 6 weeks. [Results] Both the TG and the BEG saw their MMSE-K and MVPT-3 scores significantly increase after the interventions, but the two groups showed no significant differences. [Conclusion] Given that the effects of CACR training were similar to those of the balance exercise training, we consider CACR training is a viable treatment method for preventing the decrease of cognitive function among the elderly.