Physical and Psychosocial Function in Residential Aged Care Elders: Effect of Nintendo Wii Sports Games.

Keogh J WL, Power N, Wooller L, Lucas P, Whatman C.

Source

Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.

Abstract

This mixed-methods, quasi-experimental pilot study examined whether the Nintendo Wii Sports (NWS) active video game (exergame) system could significantly improve the functional ability, physical activity levels and quality of life of 34 older adults (4 males and 30 females, 83 ± 8 years) living in two residential aged care (RAC) centers. Change score analyses indicated the intervention group had significantly greater increases in bicep curl muscular endurance, physical activity levels and psychological quality of life than the control group (p < .05). Analysis of the quotes underlying the three themes (Feeling Silly, Feeling Good; Having Fun; and Something to Look Forward to) suggested that intervention group participants developed a sense of empowerment and achievement after some initial reluctance and anxiousness. They felt that the games were fun and provided an avenue for greater socialization. These results add some further support to the utilization of NWS exergames in the RAC context.

TimAllenMDJD

Sunday, June 23, 2013