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Meta-Analysis
. 2022 Sep 6;24(9):e37753.
doi: 10.2196/37753.

Effects of Serious Games on Depression in Older Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Yesol Kim  1 , Soomin Hong  1 , Mona Choi  2   3
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

Effects of Serious Games on Depression in Older Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Yesol Kim et al. J Med Internet Res. .

Abstract

Background: Depression is a severe psychological concern that negatively affects health in older adults. Serious games applied in various fields are considered appropriate interventions, especially in mental health care. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding the effects of serious games on depression in older adults.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the characteristics and effectiveness of serious games for depression in older adults.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials were conducted. In total, 5 electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library) were searched to identify relevant studies published until July 6, 2021. A total of 2 reviewers independently conducted study selection, data extraction, and quality appraisals. The risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist. For the meta-analysis, the effect size was calculated as the standardized mean difference (SMD) by using a random effects model.

Results: A total of 17 studies with 1280 older adults were included in the systematic review, and 15 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Serious game interventions were classified into 3 types: physical activity (PA), cognitive function, and both PA and cognitive function. The meta-analysis demonstrated that serious games reduced depression in older adults (SMD -0.54, 95% CI -0.79 to -0.29; P<.001). Serious games had a more significant effect size in community or home settings (SMD -0.61, 95% CI -0.95 to -0.26; P<.001) than in hospital settings (SMD -0.46, 95% CI -0.85 to -0.08; P=.02); however, the difference between groups was not significant. Among the types of games, games for PA (SMD -0.60, 95% CI -0.95 to -0.25; P<.001) and games for both (SMD -0.73, 95% CI -1.29 to -0.17; P=.01) had a significant effect on reducing depression in older adults. However, no significant correlations were observed between the duration or number of serious games and depression.

Conclusions: Serious games were beneficial in reducing depression in older adults. Regardless of the study setting, serious games appeared to reduce depression. Particularly, serious games including PA had a significant impact on reducing depression. Furthermore, high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to establish substantial evidence for the effectiveness of serious games on depression in older adults.

Trial registration: PROSPERO CRD42021242573; https://tinyurl.com/26xf7ym5.

Keywords: depression; effectiveness; exergaming; meta-analysis; mobile phone; older adults; serious game; systematic review; video games; virtual reality.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) 2020 flow diagram for study screening and selection.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Forest plot for the effect of a serious game on depression.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Forest plot for the effect of a serious game on depression according to setting.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Forest plot for the effect of a serious game on depression according to the characteristics of participants.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Forest plot for the effect of a serious game on depression according to the type of serious games. CF: cognitive function; PA: physical activity.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Forest plot for the effect of a serious game on depression according to the type of control group.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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