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

NCT07315724 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: FJU-IRB NO:C113099
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 40
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

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.

Conditions

Community-Dwelling Older Adults; Aging; Hand Dexterity; Cognitive Decline; Muscle Strength

Keywords

Technology-assisted block training program; Block-building activities; Cognitive function; Hand dexterity; Grip strength; Older adults; Mental rotation; Mixed-methods research; Spatial cognition; Quality of life

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (6)

• 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

  Time Frame: Baseline, pre-intervention

• 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

  Baseline , pre-intervention

• 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)

  Baseline ,pre-intervention

• 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

  Baseline ,pre-intervention

• Well-Being - WHO-5 Well-Being Index

  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

  Baseline , pre-intervention

• System Usability - System Usability Scale (SUS)

  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

  Baseline , pre-intervention

Secondary Outcomes (6)

• Cognitive Function - Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)

  Immediately After the 4-week Intervention

• Spatial Cognition - Mental Rotation Test

  Immediately After the 4-week Intervention

• Hand Grip Strength - Jamar Hydraulic Hand Dynamometer

  Immediately After the 4-week Intervention

• Hand Dexterity - Purdue Pegboard Test

  Immediately After the 4-week Intervention

• Well-Being - WHO-5 Well-Being Index

  Immediately After the 4-week Intervention

Study Arms (1)

single group

EXPERIMENTAL

This intervention arm involves a weekly 2-hour building block course that incorporates mental rotation training components. Participants will engage in structured building block activities designed to enhance spatial reasoning abilities, with specific lesson plans focused on developing mental rotation skills through hands-on construction and manipulation of three-dimensional objects.

Behavioral: Technology-Assisted Block Training Program

Interventions

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"

single group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 65 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

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

You may not qualify if:

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

Sponsors & Collaborators

• National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences: lead

Study Sites (1)

Xindong Community Activity Center, Yilan City

Yilan, Taiwan, 260, Taiwan

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Cognitive Dysfunction

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Cognition Disorders; Neurocognitive Disorders; Mental Disorders

Central Study Contacts

Chia-Jung Hsieh Professor, PhD

CONTACT

886(2)2822-7101; chiajung@ntunhs.edu.tw

Yu-Ling Chen NP, PHD student

CONTACT

886(2)2822-7101; vicky531366@gmail.com

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: NA
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH
• Intervention Model: SINGLE GROUP
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Ph.D., RN, Professor

Model Details: Single Group, pre-post test

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: November 16, 2025
• First Posted: January 2, 2026
• Study Start: March 28, 2025
• Primary Completion: March 27, 2026
• Study Completion: March 27, 2026
• Last Updated: January 2, 2026

Record last verified: 2025-12

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TW (1)