Application of Upper Limb Multimodal Tasks Combined With fNIRS Technology in the Assessment of Mild Cognitive Impairment

ABSTRACT Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is primarily characterized by a gradual decline in cognitive function, where early detection and intervention are crucial to preventing Alzheimer's disease progression. This study integrates upper limb multimodal tasks (ULMTs) with functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to assess cognitive and motor functions in MCI patients. Thirty‐seven elderly participants were categorized into healthy control (HC) and MCI groups. The experiment consisted of resting state, numerical cognitive task (NCT), motor task (MT), and ULMT phases. fNIRS measured hemodynamic responses in the prefrontal and motor cortices, while an upper limb trainer recorded motor data. Results showed weaker cortical responses in the MCI group during rest and reduced motor cortex activation during NCT. Both groups displayed increased cortical activity during ULMT compared to NCT but reduced motor performance compared to MT. These findings demonstrate the potential of ULMTs combined with fNIRS for early MCI assessment and intervention.