Technology-based Hand Rehabilitation in Older People

Impairment of hand muscle function reduces quality of life and independence in daily living activities in the geriatric population. In recent years, technology-based rehabilitation applications have been used in hand rehabilitation programs because, in addition to their effects similar to conventional rehabilitation, they increase patient motivation and compliance with rehabilitation. Studies have also shown that dual-task training has positive effects on upper extremity functions. In the literature, rehabilitation programs and dual-task training to improve hand functions in the elderly are applied separately. However, a study combining technology-based hand rehabilitation programs with dual-task training to increase cognitive level in elderly individuals has not been previously encountered. The unique value of our study and its difference from the existing literature is that the intervention group includes dual-task training as a cognitive task along with the Leap Motion Controller (LMC) and assessment of joint position sense. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of technology-based rehabilitation using LMC and dual-task training targeting the upper extremities on joint position sense, grip strength, functionality, and executive functions in elderly individuals; and to compare these effects with the effects of an exercise program performed only with the LMC device and a hand rehabilitation program performed with a physiotherapist as a control group. The main goal of this project is to improve the hand skills of elderly individuals through a technology-based rehabilitation program and dual-task training, enabling them to continue their daily lives independently. In the study, 75 elderly individuals will be randomly divided into three groups. The first group will receive hand exercises via computer using LMC (Leap Motion Conntroller) and dual-task training during these exercises. These exercises and training will be conducted twice a week for eight weeks under the supervision of a physiotherapist. The second group will receive only hand exercises via LMC under the supervision of a physiotherapist. The third group, the control group, will receive a conventional hand rehabilitation program (stretching and strengthening) under the supervision of a physiotherapist. The program will be applied to all three groups for 45 minutes a day, twice a week, for eight weeks. Following randomization, individuals' joint position sense (using inclinometer), gross and fine grip strength (using dynamometer and pinchmeter), functionality (using Jebsen hand function, Purdue pegbord, 9 hole peg test), and executive functions (using stroop test) will be evaluated. Evaluations will be conducted twice, at the beginning and end of the eight-week program.