Neuropsychological Benefits of Neuro-Exergaming for Older Adults: A Pilot Study of an Interactive Physical and Cognitive Exercise System (iPACES)

Abstract

Dementia cases are on the rise and researchers seek innovative ways to prevent or ameliorate cognitive impairment in later life. Some research has reported that combining mental and physical exercise may benefit cognition more than either alone. This randomized pilot trial examined the feasibility and cognitive benefit for older adults (n = 30) of a single bout of neuro-exergaming (physical activity with cognitive training) using an interactive physical and cognitive exercise system (iPACES), compared with that of exergaming or neurogaming alone. Intent-to-treat and sensitivity analyses were conducted using repeated-measures ANOVA, controlling for age, sex, and education. A significant interaction effect was found for executive function (Color Trails 2), with a significant improvement in the neuro-exergaming condition. Results demonstrate feasibility for older adults to use a novel and theoretically-derived neuro-exergame, and also provide promising new evidence that neuro-exergaming can yield greater cognitive benefit than either of its component parts.

A Mini-Review of Virtual Reality-Based Interventions to Promote Well-Being for People Living with Dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment

“…Delivery of fall prevention training using sensor-based balanced training is well accepted by people with MCI and AD [19, 42] and may be enhanced through immersive virtual experiences using head-mounted devices. Cognitive training delivered on a tablet while cycling on a stationary bike (neuro-exergaming) has been shown to promote executive functioning [43], indicating that benefits may be derived from specifically designed multicomponent and multidomain immersive experiences.…”

Exergaming Executive Functions: An Immersive Virtual Reality-Based Cognitive Training for Adults Aged 50 and Older

“…This study used the Stroop Test (for inhibitory control), Trail Making Test (for task-switching/flexibility), and Digit Span (for working memory) to assess different domains of executive functions, which were widely used in previous studies. 5 An 88-item Stroop Test was administered, which included congruent color words and incongruent color words. The results were calculated using ratio scores (congruent/incongruent) and standardized with higher scores representing better performances.…”

“…Similar to the concept of cognitive reserve, exergaming scholars have identified two main mechanisms underlying the effects of exergaming on cognitive functions: (a) physical exercise-moving, jumping, or running-which enlarge people's attentional pool by increasing physiological arousal and motor control skills; (b) mental exercise-memorizing the rules and movements of an exercise-which involves higher-order cognition and prime players to use their cognitive functions. 5,14 Systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the cognitive benefits of exergaming in older adults further show positive effects of exergaming were found on multiple cognitive domains, including executive functions, processing speed, visuospatial skill, short-term and long-term memory, verbal fluency, and measure of cognitive state. 6,7,15 Consistent with previous research, the current research focuses on executive functions, which is important for older adults to maintain competence and independence, as the main outcomes.…”

“…6,7,15 Consistent with previous research, the current research focuses on executive functions, which is important for older adults to maintain competence and independence, as the main outcomes. 5,14,16,17 Executive functions are multi-dimensional and have been discussed based on three domains: inhibitory control, task switching, and working memory. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on the effects of exergames on executive function found positive effects of exergames on inhibitory control and task switching across studies using a different intervention length.…”

“…3 Prior studies suggest that exergaming, which refers to combining the benefits of physical activity and the attractiveness of video games, 4 could improve older adults' ex-ecutive functions. 5 Specifically, researchers have also found that exergames could improve specific domains of cognitive functions in older adults, such as cognitive inhibition, task switching/flexibility, and working memory. 6 However, it is still not fully explored how exergames would improve cognitive functions in older adults.…”