Investigation of the effects of different rehabilitation approaches in elderly individuals with mild cognitive impairment

GÜRSAN K., Bayar K.

BMC Geriatrics, vol.26, no.1, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, SSCI, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 26 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.1186/s12877-025-06946-x
  • Journal Name: BMC Geriatrics
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Keywords: Cognitive functions, Cognitive training, Elderly individuals, Hand exercises, Hand functions, Mild cognitive impairment
  • Uşak University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Background: Given the increasing prevalence of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) among the elderly as a precursor to dementia, understanding how targeted interventions can improve daily functioning and delay cognitive decline is critical to improving quality of life in aging populations. Objective: To investigate the effects of hand exercises and cognitive training on cognitive functions, hand skills, grip strength, dual-task-performance and interactions in elderly individuals with MCI. Materials and methods: A randomized, single-blind study was conducted with 47 participants aged 65 and older living in nursing homes. Participants were divided into hand exercise group (HEG = 15), cognitive exercise group (CEG = 15) and control group (CG = 17). Exercise was applied to HEG and CEG for 8 weeks. Cognitive functions, grip strength, hand skills, motor-motor dual task performance (MMDTP), motor-cognitive dual task performance (MCDTP), motor-motor dual task interaction (MMDTI), motor-cognitive dual task interaction(MCDTI) and Manual Ability Measurement (MAM-36) were assessed. Results: HEG improved in hand skills, grip strength, MCDTP, MMDTP, and MAM-36, with reduced MCDTI. CEG showed gains in cognition, MMDTP, and hand use (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Hand exercises enhance motor and functional ability, while cognitive exercises supports cognitive performance and MMDTP. Trial registration: The clinical protocol of the study was registered in the ClinicalTrials.gov system, registration number: NCT06837493.