Block-building activities represent a promising tool for enhancing cognitive and hand function in older adults. When integrated with technological support, they offer personalized training advantages; however, their comprehensive effectiveness requires empirical validation. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a "Technology-Assisted Block Training Program" to explore its effects on cognitive function, hand grip strength, dexterity, and quality of life among community-dwelling older adults, while examining participants' subjective experiences.
Adults aged 65 and older
Mentally alert and able to communicate
Willing to participate in this study
Diagnosed with dementia by a physician
Severe sensory or communication impairment
Hand function impairment that prevents manipulation of building blocks
Single group
Technology-Assisted Block Training Program
BehavioralThis study, drawing on the theories proposed by Aguilar Ramirez et al. (2022) and Shepard and Metzler (1971), developed a mental rotation application and a corresponding block-building lesson plan. Participants then engaged in individual block-building activities, guided by the lesson plan, to train their spatial reasoning skills. Finally, the developed APP was used for mental rotation training, and its suitability and feasibility were rigorously validated through expert review and a pilot study. a. Mental Rotation Virtual Reality APP: The APP's content was validated by interdisciplinary experts (including gerontology, activity planning, cognitive training, and information technology) to ensure its appropriateness and feasibility. The APP incorporates technology-assisted elements, such as real-time feedback and personalized difficulty adjustment for the mental rotation exercises, to enhance training effectiveness and participant motivation. Furthermore, the built-in "Creative Showcase"
Cognitive Function - Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
Description: The MoCA is a 30-point cognitive screening tool with established reliability in older adults. Higher scores indicate better cognitive function. Unit of Measure: Points on a 30-point scale
Spatial Cognition - Mental Rotation Test
Description: The Mental Rotation Test assesses spatial cognition. Higher numbers of correct responses indicate better mental rotation ability. Unit of Measure: Number of correct responses
Hand Grip Strength - Jamar Hydraulic Hand Dynamometer
Description: Grip strength of each hand is measured using the Jamar dynamometer. Three trials per hand will be averaged. Higher values indicate greater grip strength. Unit of Measure: Kilograms (kg)
Hand Dexterity - Purdue Pegboard Test
Description: The Purdue Pegboard Test assesses fine motor skills and dexterity of the hands and fingers. The score reflects the number of pegs correctly placed in the allotted time. Unit of Measure: Number of pegs placed
Cognitive Function - Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
Description: The MoCA is a 30-point cognitive screening tool with established reliability in older adults. Higher scores indicate better cognitive function. Unit of Measure: Points on a 30-point scale
Spatial Cognition - Mental Rotation Test
Description: The Mental Rotation Test assesses spatial cognition. Higher numbers of correct responses indicate better mental rotation ability. Unit of Measure: Number of correct responses
Hand Grip Strength - Jamar Hydraulic Hand Dynamometer
Description: Grip strength of each hand is measured using the Jamar dynamometer. Three trials per hand will be averaged. Higher values indicate greater grip strength. Unit of Measure: Kilograms (kg)
Hand Dexterity - Purdue Pegboard Test
Description: The Purdue Pegboard Test assesses fine motor skills and dexterity of the hands and fingers. The score reflects the number of pegs correctly placed in the allotted time. Unit of Measure: Number of pegs placed
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