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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2022 Jan;34(1):151-157.
doi: 10.1007/s40520-021-01903-1. Epub 2021 Jun 22.

Effect of exergaming on wellbeing of residents in a nursing home: a single blinded intervention study

Marlies Gunst  1 , Isabelle De Meyere  1 , Hannah Willems  1 , Birgitte Schoenmakers  2
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Effect of exergaming on wellbeing of residents in a nursing home: a single blinded intervention study

Marlies Gunst et al. Aging Clin Exp Res. 2022 Jan.

Abstract

Introduction: To improve the quality of life in nursing homes, meaningful activities and social contact are indispensable. Exergames can play a role addressing these needs.

Methods: In a randomized single blinded controlled intervention study, we investigated the effect of playing exergames on general wellbeing, fun and on social interaction.

Results: Thirty-five residents participated: 18 residents took part in the intervention group and 17 in the control group. The median mental wellbeing score of the intervention group increased from 42/50 to 45. The median sleep score of the intervention increased from 23/30 to 28. The median pain score of the intervention group improved from 18/20 to 20. The median score on subjective cognition increased from 24/30 to 26 while the mean scores on the objective assessment decreased from 1.8/2 to 1.7. Coaches gave an average fun score of 8.9/10 and an average intensity of exercise score of 11.6/20. Residents and coaches appreciated the social contact. Coaches reported a high feasibility (average of 4.1/5) but a low accessibility and a high intensity of supervision.

Conclusions: Exergaming is a feasible and pleasant complement to the usual activities with a positive impact on wellbeing, sleep, pain, and perceived cognition. Future research should focus on vulnerable groups and aim to develop a study in an implementation design.

Keywords: Care quality; Exergames; Nursing home; Older persons.

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Conflict of interest statement

On behalf of all authors, the corresponding author states that there is no conflict of interest.

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