Efficacy of video game-based interventions for active aging. A systematic literature review and meta-analysis

Abstract

BackgroundDue to the appeal and recent technological advances of video games, the games have gained interest as an intervention tool for active aging. The aim of this systematic literature review and meta-analysis was to determine the efficacy of video games for active aging and to examine the influence of potential moderator variables.MethodsA systematic search was done using the following databases: Medline, PsycINFO, EMBASE, CINAHL and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. In addition, previous reviews and meta-analyses were used to identify randomized controlled trials (RCT) of video game-based interventions for active aging published through February 28, 2018. An evaluation of the methodological quality of the articles and a meta-analysis and moderator analysis was conducted.ResultsA total of 22 articles depicting 21 RCT with 1125 participants were included. The results indicated that video game-based interventions produced positive effects on objectively measured physical health, negative affect and social health, with small effect sizes (d = 0.41, d = 0.26 and d = 0.40, respectively). The magnitude of this effect was moderated by the presence of subclinical conditions of participants, the type of game (exergames), the presence of physical activity, the type of prevention (indicated), non-blinded assignation, and older age of participants. The methodological quality of the studies was acceptable, the weakest area being external validity.ConclusionThese finding indicate that video game-based interventions may assist adults in leading active aging processes and preventing secondary aging. Although more research is needed, video game-based interventions are a promising and accessible tool for active aging promotion.

Cognitive-behavioral intervention via interactive multimedia online video game for active aging: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

“…This effect size is the minimum needed to reach meaningful clinical change and is consistent with the smallest effect size found in a previous meta-analysis of video game-based interventions for active aging [19]. Specifically, an effect size of 0.26 for the mood outcome in active aging video game-based interventions was the smallest effect size identified [19]. To safeguard against an estimated 8% attrition rate [19], a minimum of 274 in each group must be recruited, which means 548 participants in total (550 approximately).…”

“…Assuming a two-tailed test, α of 0.05, a power (1 − β) of 0.80, and a proportion of subjects in each group of 0.5, we estimated that a sample size of 253 participants per group will be required to detect a small effect size of 0.25. This effect size is the minimum needed to reach meaningful clinical change and is consistent with the smallest effect size found in a previous meta-analysis of video game-based interventions for active aging [19]. Specifically, an effect size of 0.26 for the mood outcome in active aging video game-based interventions was the smallest effect size identified [19].…”

“…A meta-analysis comprising 21 randomized controlled trials about video game-based interventions aimed at healthy adults older than 44 found that video game-based interventions produced positive effects on objectively measured physical health, negative affect, and social health, with small to small-to-medium effect sizes ( d = 0.34, d = 0.26, and d = 0.40, respectively) [19]. However, these interventions have not been built on current knowledge of psychological science nor are they based on theoretical models.…”

“…Finally, these studies had dropout rates of up to 25% [19] and reported insufficient playing time, a potential reason for lack of efficacy of video game-based interventions [15]. Thus, an additional device (such as a smartphone app) that complements the video game by sending reminders in real time and that allows for a follow-up by a clinical professional could help increase adherence to the intervention and the generalization of the video game to real life (i.e., using the skills learned in the video game in daily real life situations beyond the gaming sessions).…”

Health-related quality of life among persons with physical disabilities: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…The intra-and inter-evaluator agreement for all categories was exact (¯κ = 1). Also, one of the evaluators had a high degree of agreement (concordance) with the other evaluators in the categorical analysis for a previous meta-analysis (Vázquez et al (2018), indicating a high degree of inter-contextual consistency. These findings demonstrate a high degree of fidelity in the coding (Monteiro, Vázquez, Seijo, & Arce, 2018).…”