Effects of artificial intelligence and virtual reality interventions in art therapy among older people with mild cognitive impairment

Abstract Objectives Integrating artificial intelligence and virtual reality into an art health program, this study aimed to compare the effects of artificial intelligence (AI) intervention in art therapy, virtual reality (VR) intervention in art therapy and traditional art therapy on cognitive function and mental health in older people with mild cognitive impairment. Methods In a randomised controlled trial, this study recruited 60 older people with mild cognitive impairment, evenly assigned to the AI group, the VR group and the control group. The participants completed surveys, before and after art therapy interventions, which assessed changes in cognitive function, depressive symptoms and program attitudes. Results Following the intervention, the AI group and the VR group exhibited higher scores in cognitive function and mental health compared to the control group. The AI group demonstrated significant improvements in mental health, particularly in areas of boredom ( p < .001, η 2 = .093), activity reduction ( p = .001, η 2 = .082), life value ( p = .003, η 2 = .092), and happiness ( p = .001, η 2 = .093). While the VR group showed significant enhancements in cognitive abilities, particularly in attention ( p = .006, η 2 = .130), expression ( p = .002, η 2 = .139), orientation ( p = .01) and memory ( p = .02). Conclusions In art health programs, leveraging the painting and language technologies of AI, along with the painting and simulation technologies of VR, can effectively enhance cognitive function and mental health in older people with mild cognitive impairment.