A Comparison of the Efficacy of Different Rehabilitation Strategies in Mild Cognitive Impairment

April 20, 2026 updated by: Tulay Ulku SEVIM, Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Dual-Task Training and Computer-Based Cognitive Rehabilitation in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment

The aim of this study is to conduct a comparative analysis of the effects of two different rehabilitation approaches on cognitive and functional outcomes in older adults diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

The study compares two widely used approaches in the field of cognitive rehabilitation: Computer-Based Cognitive Rehabilitation (CBCR) and Dual-Task Training (DTT).

The planned study will be conducted using a randomized controlled, parallel-group experimental design, in which individuals aged 65 and older diagnosed with MCI will be assigned to two intervention groups via computer-assisted randomization. Both groups will receive training for eight weeks, twice a week for 45 minutes each session, under the supervision of a specialist physical therapist. Pre- and post-intervention assessments will measure general cognitive function, executive function, fall risk, dual-task performance, functional independence, fear of falling, and physical activity level.

This study is based on the assumption that cognitive decline is not limited to neuropsychological performance alone but is closely related to motor performance, safe mobility, and quality of life. The findings are expected to contribute to clinical decision-making processes by providing evidence-based data on which rehabilitation approach is more effective and feasible for older adults with HBB.

Study Overview

Status

Not yet recruiting

Conditions

Intervention / Treatment

Detailed Description

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is defined as mild cognitive decline that occurs as a natural consequence of aging. MCI generally represents a transitional stage between healthy aging and dementia. The recognition of MCI as a high-risk intermediate step leading to Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia makes early intervention approaches for MCI a priority. Preserving cognitive capacity encompasses not only mental functions but also areas that directly impact quality of life, such as fall risk, functional independence, and physical activity levels. The literature demonstrates that cognitive decline is associated with reduced walking speed, impaired balance control, and decreased ability to perform activities of daily living. Furthermore, a decline in cognitive performance increases the fear of falling, which in turn limits an individual's participation in physical activity and leads to a sedentary lifestyle. The literature indicates that physical activity levels decrease alongside cognitive decline in older adults. Low physical activity levels also increase the risk of falls and limit the ability to maintain independent living.Dual-task training and computer-based cognitive rehabilitation are two important intervention methods developed for cognitive impairments. Dual-task training aims to enhance cognitive-motor integration across multiple domains-including attention, executive functions, processing speed, spatial-visual perception, and postural control-by requiring the simultaneous performance of both cognitive and motor tasks. Dual-task training may also have positive effects on balance, fall risk, and gait in addition to cognitive functions. Computer-assisted cognitive rehabilitation programs, on the other hand, are digital intervention approaches that focus on cognitive domains such as memory, attention, processing speed, and problem-solving; they are individually adaptable and provide systematic progress. It has been reported that these programs have a direct effect on the improvement of cognitive functions.

Studies investigating the specific effects of both approaches are available in the literature; however, there are no studies in the literature comparing the effects of these two intervention methods on cognitive function, functional independence, fall risk, fear of falling, and physical activity levels. Therefore, a comparative evaluation of the effects of different intervention strategies not only on cognitive functions but also on quality-of-life parameters such as fall risk, fear of falling, physical activity level, and functional independence would make significant contributions to determining the approaches to be preferred in clinical practice.Therefore, a comparative evaluation of the effects of different intervention strategies not only on cognitive functions but also on quality-of-life parameters such as fall risk, fear of falling, physical activity level, and functional independence will make a significant contribution to determining the preferred approaches in clinical practice.

The aim of this study is to comparatively examine the effects of dual-task training and computer-based cognitive rehabilitation on cognitive functions, fall risk, functional independence, physical activity level, and fear of falling in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). By analyzing the effectiveness of both intervention methods on the relevant parameters based on quantitative data, the study aims to identify an effective and feasible intervention approach for preventing or slowing cognitive decline in older adults.

Study Type

Interventional

Enrollment (Estimated)

42

Phase

  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Study Locations

  • Turkey (Türkiye)
    • Kartal
      • Istanbul, Kartal, Turkey (Türkiye)
        • Kartal Dr. Lütfi Kırdar Şehir Hastanesi
        • Contact:
        • Sub-Investigator:
          • Duygu Erbaş Saçar, MD

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Older Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Have been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment
  • Be 65 years of age or older
  • Agree to participate in the study
  • Be literate in Turkish

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Having been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer's disease
  • Having an orthopedic condition that impairs mobility
  • Having a rheumatological condition
  • Having a neurological or psychiatric disorder
  • Having a hearing or visual impairment,
  • Having participated in a cognitive training program within the last 3 months

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Treatment
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: Double

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm
Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Dual Task Group
Dual-task training will be implemented in parallel with the cognitive rehabilitation intervention and will be structured to target cognitive domains such as selective and divided attention, executive functions, processing speed, and visuospatial perception. The intervention will last a total of eight weeks, with content and difficulty levels progressing every two weeks. The program will begin with a low cognitive load and will be gradually increased in difficulty based on the individual's performance.
Other: Dual Task Training
Week Motor Task Cognitive Task Week 1 Straight walking Counting numbers Week 2 Straight walking Naming fruit images Week 3 Balancing Counting backward (feet together, tandem) Week 4 Throwing a ball Word generation (words starting with 'A') Week 5 Catching a ball Counting by 2s and 4s Week 6 Zigzag walking Reciting days of the week backward Week 7 Walking with obstacles Responding to non-animal words Week 8 Changing direction Verbal commands (e.g., "turn right if yellow, turn left if blue, or vice versa")
Active Comparator: Computer-Assisted Cognitive Rehabilitation Group
The computer-assisted cognitive rehabilitation intervention will be conducted via the RehaCom (Hasomed, Germany) platform. The intervention program is designed to include combinations of modules targeting selective and divided attention, executive functions, processing speed, and visuospatial perception, with each session lasting 40 minutes. It will be implemented in a stepwise manner, with content and difficulty levels gradually increasing every two weeks.
Other: The computer-assisted cognitive rehabilitation
The computer-assisted cognitive rehabilitation intervention will be conducted via the RehaCom (Hasomed, Germany) platform. The intervention program is designed to include combinations of modules targeting selective and divided attention, executive functions, processing speed, and visuospatial perception, with each session lasting 40 minutes. It will be implemented in a stepwise manner, with content and difficulty levels gradually increasing every two weeks.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Mini Mental State Examination
Time Frame: baseline and at the end of the 8-week intervention
The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is a 30-point, 5-10 minute questionnaire used to screen for cognitive impairment, covering orientation, memory, and attention. A score of 25-30 is considered normal, while scores below 24 may indicate impairment, making it crucial for detecting dementia in clinical settings.
baseline and at the end of the 8-week intervention
The Trail Making Test
Time Frame: baseline and at the end of the 8-week intervention
The Trail Making Test (TMT) is a common neuropsychological test measuring cognitive flexibility, processing speed, and executive functioning through two parts. Part A requires drawing lines to connect 25 numbered circles in ascending order. Part B requires alternating between numbers and letters (1-A, 2-B, etc.) in ascending order, evaluating the ability to switch between tasks.
baseline and at the end of the 8-week intervention
The Timed Up And Go Test
Time Frame: baseline and at the end of the 8-week intervention
The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test is a simple, quick assessment of functional mobility, balance, and fall risk in older adults or those with mobility conditions. It measures the time it takes for an individual to stand from a chair, walk 3 meters (10 feet), turn around, walk back, and sit down.
baseline and at the end of the 8-week intervention
The Timed Up and Go dual-task Test
Time Frame: baseline and at the end of the 8-week intervention
The Timed Up and Go (TUG) dual-task test is a clinical assessment that combines the standard TUG mobility test with a simultaneous cognitive task. This method helps evaluate a person's ability to maintain balance and mobility while performing another activity, which is a common real-life scenario.
baseline and at the end of the 8-week intervention

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale
Time Frame: baseline and at the end of the 8-week intervention
The Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) Scale is an 8-item survey assessing complex daily tasks (e.g., shopping, cooking, finances) to evaluate independent living skills in older adults. It is widely used by clinicians to detect functional decline or manage care, scoring 0 (dependent) to 8 (independent) in 10-15 minutes.
baseline and at the end of the 8-week intervention
The Falls Efficacy Scale-International
Time Frame: baseline and at the end of the 8-week intervention
The Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) is a widely used 16-item questionnaire designed to measure fear of falling or concern about falling during social and physical activities among older adults. It assesses both basic and more demanding activities (like walking on slippery surfaces or attending social events) on a 4-point scale, with higher total scores (16-64) indicating greater fear of falling.
baseline and at the end of the 8-week intervention
Physical Activity Level
Time Frame: for 3 days before and at the end of the 8-week intervention
A Polar Unite watch will be worn for 3 days to determine the level of physical activity. Polar Unite utilizes tri-axial (3D) digital accelerometer technology for the continuous monitoring of physical activity. By recording and analyzing the frequency, intensity, and temporal patterns of wrist movements through sophisticated signal processing algorithms, the device distinguishes between low-intensity activities of daily living (e.g., domestic mobility) and high-intensity aerobic exercises. This kinematic data, integrated with the user's anthropometric profile and basal metabolic rate, provides a valid and reliable estimation of physical activity levels.
for 3 days before and at the end of the 8-week intervention

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa

Publications and helpful links

The person responsible for entering information about the study voluntarily provides these publications. These may be about anything related to the study.

General Publications

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Estimated)

April 17, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

April 1, 2027

Study Completion (Estimated)

December 1, 2027

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

March 24, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

April 20, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

April 23, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

April 23, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

April 20, 2026

Last Verified

April 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

  • Istanbul Üniversitesi Cerrahpa

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

UNDECIDED

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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