Impact of Exergames on the Mental Health of Older Adults: A Systematic Review and GRADE Evidence Synthesis

• Autor(a) principal: Fernandes, Carla Sílvia
• Data de Publicação: 2022
• Outros Autores: Magalhães, Bruno, Lima, Andreia, Nóbrega, Perpétua, Silva, Mafalda, Santos, Célia
• Tipo de documento: Artigo
• Idioma: eng
• Título da fonte: Repositório Científico de Acesso Aberto de Portugal (Repositórios Cientìficos)
• Texto Completo: http://hdl.handle.net/10400.26/43982
• topic: Games; Exergame; Mental health

Exergames, which combine digital games and physical exercise, have become a popular alternative to traditional exercise programs and are increasingly used in the health domains. This study aimed to provide a systematic review to synthesize existing studies on the use of exergames for the mental wellbeing of healthy older adults, aggregating the collected data to identify effect size. We performed a Systematic Review and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Assessment (GRADE) evidence synthesis. We performed the search in the following databases: MEDLINE®, CINAHL®, SPORTDiscus, SCOPUS, SciELO, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, and Cochrane® Central Register of Controlled Trials from the first record until October 2021. Randomized controlled trials using exergames as an intervention were included. A total of 10 articles published between 2009 and 2021 were selected. Most studies used the Nintendo Wii® as the exergame in the intervention program. Interventions ranged from 6 to 12 weeks, with 8-week programs being most frequent. It was possible to observe a positive effect on mood, the reduction of apathy, anxiety and depression, self-esteem, and affection.