Effects of Real-Time Visual Finger-Movement Feedback on Finger Tapping Performance in Older Adults

Background/Objectives: Manual dexterity is closely associated with cognitive function and frailty among older adults, highlighting the importance of finger rehabilitation and broader sensorimotor training in older adults. This study investigated whether a real-time visual augmented feedback system for finger movements used during a finger-tapping task could enhance tapping performance in older adults. The study also aimed to examine whether feedback effects differ between the relatively simple simultaneous tapping task and the more demanding alternating tapping task. Methods: Participants included 37 middle-aged and older adults aged 60 years or older (7 men, 30 women). A magnetic sensor-based finger-tapping device was used to measure finger-tapping performance while participants received real-time feedback on their finger movements. Performance was evaluated using speed-related indices, including the number of taps, and coordination-related measures. Results: A significant Task × Feedback interaction in tap number was observed in the nondominant hand but not the dominant hand. Feedback increased tap number during alternating tapping in both hands, but not during simultaneous tapping; coordination measures were unchanged. Conclusions: The findings suggest that the real-time visual feedback system for finger movement may lead to immediate improvements in finger motor performance among older adults. They also suggest task-dependent feedback effects, with a significant Task × Feedback interaction observed only in the nondominant hand. Future studies should analyze differences based on movement type and investigate the persistence of these effects.