A Survey on the Need for Developing a Tool to Improve Fine Motor Skills and Cognitive Function in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment

Objective : This study aims to investigate the need to develop a hand function-based cognitive rehabilitation tool to improve cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Considering the impact of hand function on brain cognitive function, the study seeks to address the limitations of existing cognitive rehabilitation tools and assess the feasibility of developing a new tool that combines fine motor exercises with cognitive enhancement. Methods : This study conducted a survey of occupational therapists in the Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam regions from December 2 to December 31, 2024. A total of 105 questionnaires were distributed, and 99 were collected. After excluding two insincere responses, 97 questionnaires were analyzed. The survey included items assessing the relationship between hand function and mild cognitive impairment, the need for tool development, and its validity. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and frequency analysis via the SPSS statistical program. Results : The analysis showed that the majority of respondents acknowledged the necessity of developing a tool that integrates hand function and cognitive function. The necessity of developing the tool achieved a high mean score of 4.12, while the appropriateness of the tool’s components was positively evaluated with a score of 4.09. However, comprehension of the tool’s usage was relatively lower, with a score of 3.78, highlighting the need for improvements in usability and instructional clarity. Conclusion : This study identified strong support among occupational therapists for the development of a hand function-based cognitive rehabilitation tool for older adults with mild cognitive impairment. The developed tool is expected to contribute to improving the quality of life for older adults by simultaneously addressing both cognitive and physical functions. Future research should focus on evaluating the specific usability of the tool and verifying its effectiveness.