Feasibility Testing of Neurobic Exercise Intervention in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment

Abstract

Objective: To explore the feasibility of neurobic exercise intervention among older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Material and Methods: This pilot study used a two-group pre-post test, with a follow-up design. Older adults with MCI were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n=10) or the control group (n=10). Measurements included: the Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE) and the Common Objects Memory Test (COMT). Acceptability was assessed using a satisfaction and helpfulness rating scale and open-ended questions. Results: The intervention group had a significant reduction in IQCODE relative change score, indicating improvement in cognitive decline, and had a significantly higher COMT relative change score, indicating improvement in cognitive performance at 3 and 6 weeks. Participants reported high satisfaction with the overall activities, and rated the intervention helpful. Conclusion: The neurobic exercise intervention was feasible and acceptable for Thai community-dwelling older adults.

Keywords

• feasibility
• mild cognitive impairment
• neurobic exercise
• older adults