Melissa Helen Zegarra-Ramos

Ms. Melissa Helen Zegarra-Ramos


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
16 March 2024 in Healthcare
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MZMelissa Helen Zegarra-Ramos
Melissa Helen Zegarra-Ramos
CGCristina García-Bravo
Cristina García-Bravo
EHELISABET HUERTAS HOYAS
ELISABET HUERTAS HOYAS
GGGemma Fernández Gómez
Gemma Fernández Gómez
MRMª Pilar Rodríguez-Pérez
Mª Pilar Rodríguez-Pérez
SGSara García-Bravo
Sara García-Bravo
(1) Background: Healthy aging is the process of developing and maintaining functional capacity and optimizing involvement in order to improve one’s quality of life as people age. This study aimed to encourage healthy aging in people with cognitive impairment, as well as a control group, via the use of the Nintendo Switch combined with occupational therapy sessions, aiming to improve gross and fine motor skills, functionality, quality of life, and cognitive status. (2) Methods: A randomized clinical trial was undertaken. The sample was randomized using the OxMar software program Attribution 4.0 International, facilitating the division into a control group (CG), who received conventional occupational therapy sessions, and an experimental group (EG), who received therapy incorporating the Nintendo Switch, in addition to conventional occupational therapy sessions. The intervention period with the Nintendo Switch lasted for 8 weeks. (3) Results: Thirty-two participants were included in the study. Significant differences were found in the vast majority of the variables analyzed, which shows an improvement following the intervention; these improvements were mainly observed in measures of skill and the perception of quality of life. (4) Conclusions: An eight-week intervention with the Nintendo Switch alongside conventional occupational therapy helps to maintain cognitive status and functional independence. Following 8 weeks of intervention with the Nintendo Switch, improvements in gross motor dexterity, fine motor dexterity, and quality of life were observed in older people with cognitive impairment.