Three dimensional puzzle (3D puzzle) game applied to geriatric individuals cognitive skills and impact on life engagement

Objective: The research is a randomized controlled experimental study with a pre-test-post-test design conducted to evaluate the effects of a three-dimensional puzzle (3D puzzle) game applied to geriatric individuals on cognitive skills and life engagement. Materials and Methods: The study was completed with a total of 40 individuals aged 65 and over, residing at the Bolvadin Nursing Home affiliated with the Afyonkarahisar Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services, with a Standardized Mini Mental Test score of 25 or higher. 20 in the intervention group and 20 in the control group, participated in a 3D puzzle game with pieces ranging from 20 to 50, three days a week for a total of 10 weeks (30 sessions). Research data were collected using the "Introductory Information Form," the "Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale," the "Life Engagement Scale," the "Individual Follow-up Form," and the "Three-Dimensional Puzzle Assessment Form." Data were analyzed using the chi-square test (χ²), independent samples t-test (t), Mann-Whitney U test (U), one-way ANOVA (F), Holm test, and repeated measures analysis of variance. Results: At the end of the three-dimensional puzzle game, a significant increase was observed in the mean Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale score of the geriatric individuals in the intervention group (p<0.001). In terms of cognitive dimensions of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale in the intervention group, a significant increase was observed in the cognitive dimension "Attention and Concentration" (p<0.001) and the cognitive dimension "Visual Construction Skills" (p<0.001). Following the 3D puzzle game, it was determined that the mean Life Engagement Scale score of the geriatric individuals in the intervention group showed a significant increase (p=0.007). Conclusion: The study determined that the 3D puzzle game applied to geriatric individuals had a positive effect on cognitive skills and life engagement. Keywords: Elderly, cognitive skills, life engagement, puzzle game, geriatric nursing *This thesis was supported by TUBITAK 1002 group project support program as project number 224S415.