Wayfinding, Exergaming, & Spatial-memory Training (WEST) Study

The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a 10-week exergaming intervention for enhancing physical activity, wayfinding self-efficacy and spatial memory among middle-aged adults with psychometrically-confirmed cognitive impairment.

The trial has ended and the primary outcomes are published here.

Findings | Briefly, the results suggest that ten weeks of iPad-enhanced, moderately intense aerobic exercise had specific effects on wayfinding self-efficacy; however, no statistical differences were found between groups on the behavioral wayfinding task or spatial memory performance at follow-up. Performance scores on an inhibitory attentional-control cognitive assessment revealed significant differences between groups, favoring the experimental group.

Implications | Virtual reality-enhanced aerobic exercise may prove to be an effective method for improving cognitive function and increasing confidence to navigate real-world scenarios among individuals at risk of cognitive impairment.

This pilot study was funded by the Center on Health, Aging, & Disability (CHAD) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.