Effects of Exergames on Balance, Functional Mobility, and Quality of Life of Geriatrics Versus Home Exercise Programme: Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract

SUMMARY Aim:To compare the effects of exergames (EGs) using the Xbox KinectTM device and home exercise (HE) on balance, functional mobility, and quality of life of individuals aged 65 years or older.Method: One hundred participants who met the inclusion criteria were randomized to the EG or HE group. The EG group took part in a 6-week programme using the Xbox360Kinect TM device, and the HE group took part in a 6-week balance exercise programme at home 5 days a week. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) was used to assess balance, the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test was used to evaluate functional walking, and the Short Form 36 (SF-36) was used to assess quality of life.Results: Forty-eight participants in the EG group and 42 participants in the HE group completed the study. The groups were similar in terms of age, sex, and pretreatment values of BBS, TUG, and SF-36. Although the BBS scores of both groups improved significantly (all p < 0.05), the post-treatment scores of the EG group were better than those of the HE group. The TUG scores improved only in the EG group (p < 0.05). The increase in the BBS scores and decrease in the TUG test scores were significant only in the EG group (all p < 0.05). A significant improvement was also observed in the quality of life parameters of physical functioning, social role functioning, physical role restriction, general health perceptions, and physical component scores in the post-exercise evaluations of the EG group. The participants commented that they found the EG programme very entertaining.Conclusion: The EG can be considered a safe, entertaining and sustainable alternative to HE programmes, and it may have positive effects on balance, functional walking and quality of life in geriatric subjects.

The effect of cognitive-motor dual task training with the biorescue force platform on cognition, balance and dual task performance in institutionalized older adults: a randomized controlled trial

“…The fact that the iTUG improved after training with the BioRescue, is in line with the results of Rendon et al25 ) who showed that the eight feet up and go improved significantly after six weeks of training with the Wii Fit. Further, Karaha et al demonstrated a significant effect on balance, functional walking and quality of life after 6 weeks of virtual reality gaming using the Xbox KinectTM26 ) . Results on the tinetti-POMA test did not improve in contrast to earlier published research on cognitive-motor dual task training using the Wii Fit.…”

The Association between Esports Participation, Health and Physical Activity Behaviour

“…The association between general health and video games has received extensive attention in the academic literature [ 20 , 21 , 22 ], whereas the association between esports participation and general health has not [ 7 ]. Often in video gaming studies, general health is measured through a combination of physical, mental, and/or social health factors [ 21 , 23 ].…”

Perceptions of Older Adults on the Use of an Interactive Video Game in Promoting Health and Well-Being

“…Videogame-based exercise has been shown to improve balance, and individuals are more motivated to exercise if they find the games to be challenging and enjoyable (Lamoth et al, 2011). Karahan et al (2015) concluded that IVGs can be considered a safe and entertaining alternative for older adults and may have positive effects on balance, functional walking, and quality of life. This study demonstrated the value of occupational therapy intervention in a virtual environment in the client factors and performance skills to contribute to the participant's health and well-being (AOTA, 2014).…”

“…IVGs are potential tools for occupational therapy practitioners to improve balance and functional mobility and to increase engagement in meaningful activities in older adults (Karahan et al, 2015;Skjaeret et al, 2015). IVGs are an attractive and interactive way to motivate individuals to engage in physical activity by combining both cognitive and motor skills focusing on the outcome of movements in the game and not the movement itself (Lamoth, Caljouw, & Postema, 2011).…”