Effects of active videogames added to conventional exercise on cognitive function in older adults: a randomized trial
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v75.118264Keywords:
aged, cognitive function, exergaming, health-related quality of lifeAbstract
Introduction: Cognitive decline in older adults negatively affects independence and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Integrating physical and cognitive stimuli through active videogames (AVGs) may enhance the benefits of conventional physical exercise (CPE).
Objective: To evaluate the effects of adding AVGs to a CPE program on cognitive function and HRQoL in community-dwelling older adults.
Methodology: A controlled trial with two parallel groups was conducted. Fifty participants aged 60–84 years were randomly assigned to an intervention group (IG: CPE+AVG) or a control group (CG: CPE alone) for eight weeks (two sessions/week). Cognitive function (primary outcome) was assessed with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and HRQoL (secondary outcome) with the Short Form Health Survey Version 2 (SF-12v2).
Results: Both groups led to improvements across several cognitive domains; however, the IG showed significantly greater gains in language, delayed recall, and global cognitive function (all p<0.05). The proportion of participants with normal cognitive function increased by 36% in the IG (p=0.003) versus 12% in the CG (p>0.05). Compared with the CG, the IG showed significant improvements in both the physical and mental health dimensions of HRQoL (all p<0.05).
Conclusions: The findings suggest that adding AVGs to CPE may enhance cognitive function and HRQoL more effectively than CPE alone. AVGs appear to be a safe, engaging, and promising adjunct to promote cognitive health and well-being in older adults.
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