Technology-assisted block training to boost thinking, hand dexterity, and grip strength in older adults
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
This program will test whether technology-assisted block-building exercises help thinking skills, hand dexterity, and grip strength in community-dwelling adults aged 65 and older.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Yilan, Taiwan) |
| Trial ID | NCT07315724 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Researchers developed a Technology-Assisted Block Training Program that combines block-building tasks with real-time technological feedback, personalized difficulty adjustment, and multi-sensory cues to maintain engagement. Community-dwelling adults aged 65 and older who are mentally alert and able to communicate will participate and perform the training while researchers measure cognitive function, hand dexterity, grip strength, and quality of life before and after the intervention. The study uses mixed methods, including quantitative outcome measures and qualitative interviews to capture participants' subjective experiences with the program. The trial is conducted at the Xindong Community Activity Center in Yilan City, Taiwan.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are community-dwelling adults aged 65 or older who are mentally alert, can communicate, are willing to participate, and can physically manipulate building blocks.
Not a fit: People diagnosed with dementia, those with severe sensory or communication impairments, or those with hand function impairments that prevent block manipulation are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could help older adults maintain or improve cognitive function, hand dexterity, and grip strength, supporting better daily function.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work on manual block-building and combined cognitive-motor activities has shown promise for improving working memory and processing speed, but technology-assisted block interventions are relatively new with limited outcome data.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Adults aged 65 and older 2. Mentally alert and able to communicate 3. Willing to participate in this study Exclusion Criteria: 1. Diagnosed with dementia by a physician 2. Severe sensory or communication impairment 3. Hand function impairment that prevents manipulation of building blocks
Where this trial is running
Yilan, Taiwan
- Xindong Community Activity Center, Yilan City — Yilan, Taiwan, Taiwan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Chia-Jung Hsieh Professor, PhD
- Email: chiajung@ntunhs.edu.tw
- Phone: 886(2)2822-7101
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.