Effects of a comprehensive activity training program on cognitive and physical abilities among older adults with mild cognitive impairment

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is one of the most common cognitive disorders among older adults that leads to physical disability and dependent living. The 2-group experimental study purposed to investigate the effects of the Comprehensive Activities Training Program (CATP) on cognitive and physical abilities among older adults with MCI. The CATP was developed based on Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), Self-Efficacy Theory integrated with multiple activities for older adults. The sample consisted of 124 older adults diagnosed with MCI by a neurologist, registered at the neurology clinic at a university hospital. Similar characteristics were matched by gender, age, and education level, then the experimental group received the CATP, whereas the control group is a waiting list for the program. The instruments used were demographic questionnaire, the Self-Efficacy for Physical Activity scale (SEPA), MoCA, ACE-III, ILS and TUG. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics and repeated measures MANOVA. The results showed that the sample had a mean age of 69.48 and most of them (77.42%) were female. The experimental group had significantly greater improvement in SEPA and significantly greater improvement in cognitive ability and physical activity than did the control group at week 8 and week 16. There was no statistically significant difference in TUG between both groups. Nurses and health care professionals can apply the CATP to improve and maintain cognitive and physical abilities in addition to preventing and delaying cognitive decline and disability. Moreover, the proposed program may further affect ability and function to promote independent living in older adults as long as possible.