Exergaming for improving cognitive function in older adults

Abstract

Background: Cognitive decline is a major concern for older adults and is growing in importance due to the ageing population. There have been many suggestions put forward on how to prevent cognitive decline, but not all are effective or backed up by studies and evidence. Exergaming is the combination of video gaming and exercise or physical activity. This intervention utilises both a physical and cognitive component, and so has been suggested as a way to prevent cognitive decline. A research question was formulated to investigate this topic: Amongst older adults, do exergaming interventions, compared to no exergaming interventions, improve cognitive function? The PICO framework was used as follows: (P) Older Adults, (I) Exergaming interventions, (C) compared to no exergaming, (O) Improving cognitive function. Methods: A thorough and systematic literature search was conducted using several electronic research databases. A manual search was also conducted. Studies were limited to include only healthy older adults. Inclusion criteria used were: Studies published were to be peer reviewed, in the English language, and published within the last 5 years. Five key studies were selected; of these, three were randomised control trials, one was a systematic review, and one was a meta-analysis. All studies were critically appraised using the corresponding CASP tool. Ethical issues were kept in consideration when selecting the articles. Results: The general inclination in the results showed that exergaming interventions have a positive effect on cognitive function and executive functions in healthy older adults. However, inconsistencies were noted when methods and findings of the key studies were compared. Therefore, the overall study results should be interpreted with caution. Implications and Recommendations: Further research is needed to ascertain the effectiveness of the intervention with respect to improving cognitive function. Moreover, due to the vast area of exergaming, further research should be done to identify which exergames are most effective. There is need for more evidence to be able to guide practitioners and active ageing programme directors as to which exergaming interventions to invest in and implement for older adults. Overall, exergaming can be encouraged among older adults as an effective alternative to normal exercise, to keep them both physically and mentally active.