Abstract

Background: The effects of spatial cognitive training on hippocampal functions and prefrontal cortex (PFC) activity in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are unclear yet. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of spatial cognitive training using virtual reality (VR) on hippocampal function and PFC activity in older adults with MCI.

Methods: Fifty older adults with MCI were randomly assigned to the experimental group (EG) performing spatial cognitive training using VR or the control group (CG) receiving computerized spatial cognitive training for a total of 24 sessions. To confirm the effects of spatial cognitive training using VR, the Weschsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised Block Design Test (WAIS-BDT) and the Seoul Verbal Learning Test (SVLT) were performed and oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO₂) was measured using a functional infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) system.

Results: After 24 sessions, the EG showed significantly greater improvements in WAIS-BDT scores (p < .001, η² = .495), the SVLT scores (p < .05, η² = .110), and HbO₂ values (p < .05; Dz = 0.244), compared to the CG.

Conclusion: Spatial cognitive training using VR could be clinically effective for improving hippocampal functions and PFC activity in older adults with MCI.