The Benefits of Custom Exergames for Fitness, Balance, and Health-Related Quality of Life: A Randomized Controlled Trial with Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

Abstract

Objective: This research aimed to measure the benefits in older adults' motor performance and quality of life during a 12-week-long multidimensional training combining custom-made exergames and traditional exercise in a complementary manner, compared with traditional training alone. Materials and Methods: Community-dwelling older adults participated in a randomized controlled trial (N = 31) consisting of two weekly exercise sessions of 60 minutes for 12 weeks. Participants allocated to the exergames group (n = 15) had one individual session of exergames and one traditional exercise group session per week. Control group participants (n = 16) had two weekly traditional exercise group sessions. Outcome measures on fitness, balance, and health-related quality of life were measured at the start of the intervention, 6th, 12th, and 16th week (1-month follow-up). Results: The exergames group showed a significant increase in lower-body and upper-body strength from pre- to postintervention. When compared with control, participants had significantly higher developments of upper-body strength from pre- to postassessments. There was a significant decrease in shoulder range of motion between the end of the intervention and follow-up for participants in both conditions. Balance increased significantly during the intervention but decreased at follow-up in both conditions. The mental component of health-related quality of life was significantly higher at the end compared with the start of the intervention in the exergames group, and this difference was significantly higher when compared with control. Conclusion: Integrating personalized exergames designed for multidimensional fitness training in traditional settings can be an effective strategy to enhance older adults' motor performance and mental well-being.