Cognitive Integrated Motor Training (CM) to Improve Gait and Balance and Reduce Falls in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment

Study Summary

Problems with walking and balance are common in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Walking and balance problems limit independence and increase risk for injuries due to falls. The purpose of this research study is to test the effectiveness of training that combines moving and thinking tasks, referred to as Personalized cognitive integrated sensorimotor virtual reality (VR)/mixed reality (MR) training on walking and balance ability. The study will also help to understand the changes in thinking ability and brain activity as a result of this training in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. The study will evaluate the differences between two intervention groups (n=20 each): 1) personalized cognitive integrated sensorimotor VR/MR training (CM), and 3) standard of care (CTRL) on gait, balance, community ambulation, and cognitive functions, as well as underlying biomechanical and neurophysiological mechanisms to understand the changes due to CM.

Primary Outcome

TUG is a clinical test of functional gait abilities and dynamic balance. The participants will be asked to walk a distance of 3 meters from a seated position, turn around, walk back to the chair and sit back in the chair. The time taken to perform the task will be recorded using a stop watch. The TUG will be repeated multiple times. The participant may be asked to hold a plastic cup or count backwards by three from a randomly selected number while walking.

Interventions

• OTHER Standard of Care
• OTHER Personalized cognitive-sensorimotor VR/MR training