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NCT Number: NCT07315724

The Efficacy of a Technology-Assisted Block Training Program on Cognitive Function, Hand Dexterity, and Grip Strength in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Mixed-Methods Research

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Community-dwelling Older Adults Aging Cognition Disorders Cognitive Decline Cognitive Dysfunction Hand Dexterity Mental Disorders Muscle Strength Neurocognitive Disorders

Age range

65 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Xindong Community Activity Center, Yilan City

Yilan, Taiwan, 260

Location status: Recruiting

About this study

In response to the aging population trend, developing evidence-based care programs for older adults has become increasingly necessary. To delay functional decline in individuals, intervention programs that combine cognitive and motor training are gaining greater attention. Manual activities such as block-building can effectively improve working memory and processing abilities. However, traditional block training and cognitive training often struggle to maintain participants' motivation and sustained engagement due to monotonous content. Therefore, technology-assisted block training has emerged as a solution, providing real-time feedback, personalized difficulty adjustment, and multi-sensory stimulation to effectively overcome the limitations of traditional training approaches and enhance participant motivation.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Adults aged 65 and older
  • Mentally alert and able to communicate
  • Willing to participate in this study

Exclusion criteria

  • Diagnosed with dementia by a physician
  • Severe sensory or communication impairment
  • Hand function impairment that prevents manipulation of building blocks

Treatment and study plan

Technology-Assisted Block Training Program

Behavioral

This 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"

Primary outcomes

  1. Cognitive Function - Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)

    Time frame: Time Frame: Baseline, pre-intervention

    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

  2. Spatial Cognition - Mental Rotation Test

    Time frame: Baseline , pre-intervention

    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

  3. Hand Grip Strength - Jamar Hydraulic Hand Dynamometer

    Time frame: Baseline ,pre-intervention

    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)

  4. Hand Dexterity - Purdue Pegboard Test

    Time frame: Baseline ,pre-intervention

    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

  5. Well-Being - WHO-5 Well-Being Index

    Time frame: Baseline , pre-intervention

    Description:

    The WHO-5 consists of five items rated on a 25-point scale. Higher scores indicate better well-being and quality of life.

    Unit of Measure:

    Points on a 25-point scale

  6. System Usability - System Usability Scale (SUS)

    Time frame: Baseline , pre-intervention

    Description:

    The SUS assesses usability, learnability, and satisfaction with technology-based systems. Scores range from 0 to 100; higher scores indicate better usability.

    Unit of Measure:

    Score on a 0-100 scale

Secondary outcomes

  1. Cognitive Function - Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)

    Time frame: Immediately After the 4-week Intervention

    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

  2. Spatial Cognition - Mental Rotation Test

    Time frame: Immediately After the 4-week Intervention

    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

  3. Hand Grip Strength - Jamar Hydraulic Hand Dynamometer

    Time frame: Immediately After the 4-week Intervention

    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)

  4. Hand Dexterity - Purdue Pegboard Test

    Time frame: Immediately After the 4-week Intervention

    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

  5. Well-Being - WHO-5 Well-Being Index

    Time frame: Immediately After the 4-week Intervention

    Description:

    The WHO-5 consists of five items rated on a 25-point scale. Higher scores indicate better well-being and quality of life.

    Unit of Measure:

    Points on a 25-point scale

  6. System Usability - System Usability Scale (SUS)

    Time frame: Immediately After the 4-week Intervention

    Description:

    The SUS assesses usability, learnability, and satisfaction with technology-based systems. Scores range from 0 to 100; higher scores indicate better usability.

    Unit of Measure:

    Score on a 0-100 scale

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Chia-Jung Hsieh Professor, PhD

CONTACT

[email protected]

886(2)2822-7101 ext. Ext. 3135

Yu-Ling Chen NP, PHD student

CONTACT

[email protected]

886(2)2822-7101 ext. Ext. 3135

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jan 2, 2026
Registry last updated
Jan 2, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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