Development and evaluation of the STOU BrainLadder: a board-game intervention to enhance cognitive health among Thai elderly

Purpose This study aims to (1) design and develop the game and (2) evaluate the effectiveness of the developed game. Design/methodology/approach Nine experts participated to examine the feasibility and the design concept and also to assess the prototype's suitability in two separate focus-group sessions. Another five experts subsequently evaluated the prototype. Sixty elders participated in two experimental trials (30 per trial). Instruments included STOU BrainLadder, a board-game evaluation form, the trail making test A/B (TMT-A/B) – a memory-screening test and a satisfaction questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Friedman's Test, Kendall's W and content analysis. Findings The board-game comprised three mini-games (Simon, Matching and RuleMaster). Experts rated it as appropriate, easy to understand and supportive of cognitive-function training. After 14 days, participants showed significant within-cohort improvements (p < 0.05) in game-embedded indicators related to processing speed, working memory, attention and executive function. Overall satisfaction was high (M = 4.13, SD = 0.94), with suggestions to enlarge fonts and adjust audio volume for sensory accessibility. Practical implications A well-designed board game shall support cognitive-health promotion and shall be integrated into community-based health promotion. Originality/value This study proposed an innovative game framework combining cognitive-psychology and social-cognitive learning to enhance elder cognitive functions in aging societies.