JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Background:

Individuals with cognitive impairment have reduced physical and cognitive functions, quality of life, and an increase in fatigue. Exergaming defined as a combination of exercise and gaming, is a relatively new intervention idea. Also, it is an innovative, fun, and relatively safe way of exercising in a virtual reality or gaming environment. It may help people living with mild cognitive impairment or dementia overcome barriers they can experience regarding regular exercise and activities.

Objective:

Objective:

The aim of this systematic review is to describe exergaming intervention delivered to elderly with cognitive impairment and to report results related to physical and cognitive functions.

Methods:

Methods:

Studies reporting on exergaming interventions delivered to individuals with cognitive impairment were included. 6 databases were searches. Ten articles were identified. Data were extracted and assessed for quality by two reviewers.

Results:

Results:

Ten studies involving 702 participants were included. There was consistent evidence from studies at low risk of bias showed some statistically significant effects of exergaming on cognitive functioning in people living with cognitive impairment, and for physical function, three of five studies found positive results, most games were classified as moderate intensity.

Conclusions:

Conclusions:

Overall, exergaming is an emerging tool to improve physical and cognitive function in people with mild cognitive impairment or dementia, it delivered to individuals with cognitive impairment showed higher heterogeneity differing in duration, frequency and gaming platform. The quality of the included articles was medium to high, and more high-quality articles with more accurate outcome indicators are needed to further explore in the future. Clinical Trial: PROSPERO: CRD42019124994.