Cognitive and Cognitive-Motor Interventions Affecting Physical Functioning: A Systematic Review
By Pichierri, Giuseppe; Wolf, Peter; Murer, Kurt; de Bruin, Eling D.; BMC Geriatrics, Volume 11, Number 29Publication Date: 2011
Review examined the literature regarding the use of cognitive and cognitive-motor interventions to improve physical functioning in older adults and people with neurological impairments similar to cognitive impairments seen in aging. A systematic review was conducted for the Medline/Premedline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and EMBASE databases. The search was focused on adults over the age of 65. Articles discussing adult patients with neurological impairments due to trauma were also included, as these cognitive impairments are similar to those seen in the aging population. Literature in English, German, and French only were included. A total of 28 articles met these inclusion criteria. Three articles used an isolated cognitive rehabilitation intervention, while 7 articles used a dual task intervention, and 19 applied a computerized intervention such as visual biofeedback, computer game play with a haptic device, walking on a treadmill in a rotating virtual room, Nintendo Wii Sports and Wii Fit, and virtual reality game exercise with the IREX system focusing on reaching and grasping. There was evidence to suggest that cognitive and motor-cognitive methods positively affect physical functioning, such as postural control, walking abilities, and general functions of the upper and lower extremities, respectively. The majority of the included studies resulted in improvements of the assessed functional outcome measures. Study limitations and implications for future research are discussed.
Published by: BioMed Central Ltd (Website:http://www.biomedcentral.com)
Link to text: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3147016/
