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

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of home-based exergame programs on physical function, fall efficacy, depression, and health-related quality of life in community-dwelling older adults. Fifty-seven participants aged 75 years or older were divided into control and experimental groups. The experimental group received a home-based exergame program that included balance and lower-extremity muscle strength for 8 weeks. The participants exercised at home for 50 min three times a week and were monitored through a video-conference application. Both groups received online education on musculoskeletal health once a week, whereas the control group did not exercise. Physical function was assessed using the one-leg standing test (OLST), Berg balance scale (BBS), functional reaching test (FRT), timed up-and-go test (TUGT), and five-times sit-to-stand (FTSTS). Fall efficacy was assessed using the modified falls efficacy scale (MFES). Depression was assessed using the geriatric depression scale (GDS). Health-related quality of life was assessed using a 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36). The experimental group showed an overall improvement in OLST, BBS, FRT, TUGT, and FTSTS (p < 0.05). MFES was significantly increased in the experimental group after the intervention (p < 0.05). The GDS significantly decreased in the experimental group after the intervention (p < 0.05). In SF-36, role limitations due to physical health, general health, and fatigue (energy and fatigue) items improved in the experimental group after intervention (p < 0.05). An 8-week home-based exergame program improved physical function, fall efficacy, depression, and health-related quality of life in older adults. The study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05802537).

Active video games for improving health-related physical fitness in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Similarly, Gallardo-Meza et al ( 74 ) reported that participants experienced mild muscle soreness after the initial testing and training sessions. However, 14studies included in this review did not mention information on adverse effects ( 55 , 56 , 58 – 61 , 65 – 69 , 75 , 76 , 78 ).…”

Examining technology-assisted rehabilitation for older adults’ functional mobility: a network meta-analysis on efficacy and acceptability

“…Seven studies (total participants: 452) examined the use of other serious games 59 – 65 , four studies (total participants: 98) examined interventions with wearables 66 – 69 , and three studies (participants: 619) investigated telerehabilitation 70 – 72 . Two studies could not be classified into either group as it involved an intervention with the Nintendo Switch console 73 , 74 .…”

Virtual Golf, “Exergaming”, Using Virtual Reality for Healthcare in Older Adults: Focusing on Leisure Constraints, Participation Benefits, and Continuous Participation Intention

“…Moreover, this diversity focuses on different age groups, ranging from children to older adults [18]. As it is difficult for older people to perform strenuous exercises that require considerable movement, exergaming can be optimized in a manner that allows them to play games in VR with relative ease [19]. Compared to traditional exercise programs, exergaming has the advantage of being based on games and fun, which can help people exercise longer, more often, and more regularly [20].…”