Introduction: Although different cognitive rehabilitation (CR) approaches have been developed for mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a standard method has not been determined for interventions, especially with the telerehabilitation (TR) method, which is one of the alternative solutions to the problems of accessing rehabilitation services. The study was planned to compare the effectiveness of the CR intervention applied in the older adults with amnestic-MCI with face-to-face and TR methods.
Methods: A total of 68 participants were randomly assigned to the TR and face-to-face groups. TR method was delivered by teleconference method in the participant's own home. A 12-week CR intervention was applied to both groups. Pre- and post-intervention cognitive skills of the participants were evaluated using the Loewenstein occupational therapy cognitive assessment-geriatric (LOTCA-G).
Results: Cognitive skills were increased in both groups (p < 0.001). A statistically significant difference was observed between the groups in the post-intervention visual-spatial perception, praxis, and total LOTCA-G scores (p < 0.01).
Discussion: It was determined that a 12-week CR program had positive effects on cognitive functions in the older adults with amnestic MCI. Both TR and face-to-face methods can be used in CR interventions for amnestic MCI. In addition, the TR method can be advantageous in terms of time and accessibility.
Clinical trial number: NCT05664984.
Keywords: Telerehabilitation; cognitive skills; mild cognitive impairment; rehabilitation; telemedicine.