One of the key challenges faced by individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is the decline in cognitive abilities, particularly global cognition, attention, and executive function, which are essential for maintaining independence and performing daily activities. Impaired cognition can significantly reduce quality of life in older adults, leading to difficulties in managing routine tasks, reduced social engagement, and increased dependency on caregivers. Common signs and symptoms include forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, slower problem-solving, and challenges in planning or organizing daily activities. This study aims to explore and compare the effectiveness of two interventions-immersive Virtual Reality (VR) 360-degree videos combined with aerobic exercises, and aerobic exercises alone-in improving cognitive functions in older adults with MCI. Key outcome measures, including the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Trail Making Test (TMT), will evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions on global cognition, attention, and executive function. We will include older adults aged 60 years and above with MoCA scores between 18-25 (MCI patients), who are able to perform independent ADLs. The participants will be assessed at the start of the intervention through the MoCA scale for MCI screening and baseline TMT testing for inclusion.
Older population aged from 60years and above
Normal/ normal to corrected vision
MoCA Score of 18-25 for screening / MCI patients
Can do Independent ADLS
Individuals with preexisting conditions such as severe motion sickness that could be exacerbated by VR usage.
Communication impairments
Participants with other neurological disorders.
Sensory deficits (such as uncontrolled hearing or visual issues)
Parallel
VR 360 degree Videos and Aerobic Chair Exercises intervention
Procedure/SurgeryCombination of immersive VR 360° videos and structured chair-based aerobic exercises Session Duration: Starts at 15 minutes, progresses up to 25 minutes Frequency: 2 sessions per week Total Duration: 6 weeks VR Content: Forest, wildlife, space, wildlife, solar system, waterfalls, room environments Aerobic Exercises: Chair-based aerobic exercises (upper and lower limb movements, arm raises) Additional Task: Short memory recall activity to explain the main events, details and characters in the VR 360 degree video at the end of each VR session.
Chair Aerobic Exercises
Procedure/SurgeryChair aerobic exercises 15 min/day with progression upto 25 min, 2 days a week, for 6 weeks. Chair aerobic exercise includes: 1. Alternate heel digs with bilateral biceps curl 8 repetitions per session. 2. V- Step with bilateral hammer curls 8 repetitions per session. 3. Lateral step touch with bilateral biceps curls 8 repetitions per session. 4. Knee lift 8 repetitions per session. 5. Arm swings 8 repetitions per session. 6. Clap swing 8 repetitions per session. 7. Sit, stand and clap 8 repetitions per session
Cognitive function
Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) will be used for this. Values: 26-30 = Normal cognition 18-25 = Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) 10-17 = Moderate cognitive impairment \<10 = Severe cognitive impairment
Attention
Trail Making Test will be used for this. Values: TMT-A: \<40 seconds = Above average 40-60 seconds = Average TMT-B: \<75 seconds = Above average 75-180 seconds = Average
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