Effects of active video games on physical function in independent community‐dwelling older adults: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

Aim To analyse the effects of active video games on physical function in independent community‐dwelling older adults. Design Systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials. Data sources The CINAHL, LILACS, Medline, Proquest and Scopus databases were consulted, with no restriction by year of publication. Review methods Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. The meta‐analysis was performed using RevMan software. Results The analysis included 22 randomized controlled trials with a total of 1208 participants (all ≥55 years old). In our meta‐analyses, the effects produced by playing the active video games (mean differences) were statistically significant for the variables Gait speed and Timed up‐and‐go. The differences between the control and experimental groups were not significant in the following tests: 6‐minute walk, 30‐second chair stand, balance (measured with the Berg Balance Scale), cadence, grip strength, knee extension strength, 8‐Foot Up‐and‐Go or velocity. Conclusions Physical exercise from participation in active video games has beneficial effects on two clinical parameters (Gait speed and Timed up‐and‐go) in independent community‐dwelling older adults. However, the effects on other parameters do not differ from those obtained with conventional exercise training. Therefore, the clinical significance of these benefits is limited. Impact Older adults usually perform little physical activity. In consequence, researchers have increasingly considered alternatives to traditional forms of exercise. One such is that provided by active video games, which can be a source of stimulation, encouraging adherence and motivation in exercise programmes. Our review shows that active video games can improve gait speed and mobility, but in other respects obtain no differences from conventional exercises. Further tailored randomized clinical trials should be undertaken with diverse populations of older adults to evaluate different physical function variables to determine the most appropriate training approach and its optimal design and duration.

Effectiveness and Acceptability of e- and m-Health Interventions to Promote Physical Activity and Prevent Falls in Nursing Homes—A Systematic Review

“…Specifically, a higher frequency of significant differences was reported for the TUG test compared to the BBS. Similarly, Suleiman-Martos et al (2021) found in their systematic review and meta-analysis that exergaming has significant beneficial effects on the TUG compared to conventional training in community-dwelling older adults, while the effects produced on the BBS and the 8UG test did not differ significantly from those obtained with conventional exercise. Other reasons for the differences between the studies could be the content of the conventional training and the duration and frequency of the interventions, as large discrepancies existed in these aspects.…”

“…However, compared with conventional training, significant improvements were rarely observed. A systematic review and meta-analysis on the effects of exergaming on physical function in community-dwelling older adults found significant beneficial effects on gait speed ( Suleiman-Martos et al, 2021 ). The effects produced on other functional parameters such as aerobic capacity (6-min walk test), lower limb strength (30-s chair stand and knee extension strength) and grip strength did not differ significantly from those obtained with conventional exercise training.…”

Home-Based Exergame Program to Improve Physical Function, Fall Efficacy, Depression and Quality of Life in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…It may help prevent or alleviate depressive symptoms, leading to an overall improvement in well-being and quality of life [ 19 ]. Given the many benefits of physical exercise for successful aging, it is recommended that healthcare professionals encourage elderly patients to incorporate exercise into their daily routines as a preventative measure [ 20 ]. When facing the current challenges caused by COVID-19 regulations, regular physical activity is important for maintaining good physical and mental health [ 10 ].…”

“…Home-based exergame programs are recreational video games that combine gameplay with exercise and are gaining popularity as a way to encourage participation in physical activity at home [ 20 , 21 ]. Home-based exergame programs have been shown to encourage physical activity and induce light-to-moderate intensity movements by actively engaging participants in the game [ 20 ]. Particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, home-based exergame programs ease at-home training and are becoming increasingly popular [ 22 ].…”

“…In addition, they have the advantage of easy accessibility because they are economical and easily distributed, and the exercise intensity can be adjusted according to the individual’s physical strength without the supervision of a physical therapist [ 22 ]. The game element of exergame programs provides various types of motivating feedback, such as encouraging commentary, bonuses, and music to create an interactive and exciting experience [ 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ]. In previous studies, various games and types of exercises were performed using the Nintendo Wii or Xbox Kinect platforms, and showed improved balance, cognitive function, and daily living activities in older adults [ 23 , 24 ].…”