The Effects of the MONOZUKURI Program on Executive Function Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Introduction

This study aimed to examine the effect of the MONOZUKURI program, a cognitive intervention related to creative activities (handicrafts and creative cooking), on cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults.

Methods

A single-blind randomized controlled trial was implemented in Kanagawa, Japan, with examiners unaware of group allocations. Fifty-one participants were randomly divided into two groups: the intervention group (IG; n = 29), which participated in 12 weekly sessions involving hands-on activities such as crafting accessories and creatively preparing sushi; and the active control group (CG; n = 22), which attended health-related educational lectures. Cognitive performance was evaluated both before and after the intervention. The main outcome measure was executive function, while secondary measures included verbal ability, attention, processing speed, memory, and working memory.

Results

Using analysis of covariance, a significant group difference was detected in the change scores of the Trail Making Test Part B, which assesses executive function, indicating greater improvement in the IG. No statistically significant differences were found between groups in the other assessed cognitive domains.

Conclusions

The MONOZUKURI program may have some effects on executive function among community-dwelling older adults. Learning creative activity skills may contribute to the prevention of decline in executive function closely related to life functioning.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: UMIN000041679.