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. 2022 Nov 7:13:1018601.
doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1018601. eCollection 2022.

Effects of exergames on mood and cognition in healthy older adults: A randomized pilot study

Beatrice Moret  1 , Massimo Nucci  1 , Gianluca Campana  1   2
Affiliations

Effects of exergames on mood and cognition in healthy older adults: A randomized pilot study

Beatrice Moret et al. Front Psychol. .

Abstract

The elderly population is increasing and the implementation of stimulating training to promote active aging has become a research issue. This study aimed at investigating the effects of a cognitive-motor exergame training on cognitive functions and mood, in healthy older adults. A randomized controlled pilot study was conducted to compare a cognitive-motor exergame training with a passive control group. The training consisted of 8 sessions of 45 min each, including 10 interactive activities focused on several cognitive functions such as memory, processing speed and executive functions, all requiring motor planning and execution. A total of 57 participants were administered a battery of cognitive tests before and after the training. A mixed-effect ANOVA with group (experimental vs. control) as between factor and time (pre-and post-test) as within factor, was performed to evaluate the effect of the exergame training on cognitive abilities and mood. Results showed significant interaction effects in processing speed [STROOPC: F (1,53.4) = 9.04, p = 0.004, R 2 = 0.82], inhibition [3backs' false alarms: F (1,47.5) = 5.5, p = 0.02, R 2 = 0.79], and mood [Beck Depression Inventory: F (1,55) = 4.15, p = 0.04, R 2 = 0.6]. Even though post-hoc analyses did not provide statistical evidence supporting the interactions, overall data showed a trend toward better scores only for the experimental group, suggesting a potential improvement in information processing speed, working memory and mood. Exergaming may be a motivating and enjoyable approach to healthy and active aging.

Keywords: cognitive improvement; cognitive-motor training; exergame; healthy aging; innovative training.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Participants’ flow and study design. Participants were randomly assigned to either experimental and control group. Exergame group was trained over eight intensive sessions for 45 min a day. A comprehensive neuropsychological battery was administered to both groups.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Cognitive outcomes in pre-and post-test assessments. Improvements were shown at T1 in all three tests just for Exergame group. No improvements were found for the Control Group. BDI-II: Beck Depression Inventory II; STROOPC_ Stroop Colour; 3back_FA: 3back_False Alarms.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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