Synchrony in Old Age: Playing the Mirror Game Improves Cognitive Performance

Objectives: Studies have shown that synchronized motion between people positively affects a range of emotional and social functions. The mirror-game is a synchrony-based paradigm, common to theater, performance arts, and therapy, which includes dyadic synchronized motion, playfulness, and spontaneity. The goal of the current study is to examine the effects of the mirror-game on subjective and cognitive indices in late life. Methods: Thirty-four older adults (aged 71–98) participated in a within-group study design. Participants conducted two sessions of 9-minute movement activities: the mirror-game and the control condition–a physical exercise class. Several measures were taken before and after experimental sessions to assess socio-emotional and attentional functions. Results: The mirror-game enhanced performance on the attention sub-scale and led to faster detections of spoken words in noise. Further, it enhanced perceived partner responsiveness and led to an increase in positive reported experience. Conclusions: Our preliminary findings suggest that the mirror-game, rather than the exercise class, may have an immediate impact on mood and some attentional functions. Clinical implications: The mirror-game is a novel intervention, with potential benefits of social-emotional and cognitive functioning, which can be easily implemented into the daily routine care of older adults. Future studies should explore the effect of the mirror-game on additional cognitive and socio-emotional aspects.