ABSTRACT

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of an occupational therapy program using dual-tasks on the cognitive function and gait for the elderly with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Methods: The subjects were 36 elderly persons with MCI (18 for the experimental group and 18 for the control group). The research design was applied to the pretest-posttest control group design. The intervention was conducted once a week for 60 min during a 12 week period for a total of 12 sessions. For comparison of before and after the intervention, Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment-Geriatric Population was used for the cognitive function, and Timed Up and Go was used for the gait. Results: The occupational therapy program using dual-tasks improved the cognitive function and gait of the experimental group and showed a significant difference from the control group. Conclusion: Because the value and efficacy of the occupational therapy program using dual-tasks applied in the present study were confirmed to improve the cognitive function and gait of the elderly with MCI, this study suggests implementing such an approach as an active intervention program to prevent dementia in these individuals.