JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Exergames could effectively engage older adults in regular exercise, which can be challenging to adhere to. However, there is insufficient understanding regarding its impact beyond health, including exercise habits, healthy lifestyle, and, more importantly, health ownership.

Objective:

This pilot study investigates how exergames influence exercise habits and health ownership and examines the motivational factors driving older adults’ participation and adherence.

Methods:

We used a multisession, single-group research design in this pilot study. The study involved 33 older adults participating in an exergame program across two community centers in Hong Kong. The program was meticulously designed to include 12 supervised training sessions, followed by 4-week free play periods to assess long-term adherence. A package of exergames was selected, covering physical, social, and cognitive health. In each session, the participants will play all three types for 30 minutes. Changes in health status, well-being, exercise habits, healthy lifestyles, health ownership, and motivations to play exergame at four stages were continuously measured.

Results:

A 10-week exergame program significantly improved older adults' cognitive ability (F=7.86; P<.001; η²=0.197) and well-being (F=4.59; P<.01; η²=0.126), though general health remained unchanged. It also significantly enhanced healthy lifestyles (F=6.52; P<.001; η²=0.169), exergame play habits (F=4.88; P<.01; η²=0.132), total physical activity MET levels (F=3.15; P<.05; η²=0.090), and health ownership (F=4.23; P<.05; η²=0.117). Post-training adherence was high at 75.8%. Further correlation analysis indicated significant positive associations between adhered gameplay frequency and both social (coefficient=0.405; P<.05) and enjoyment motivations (coefficient=0.393; P<.05).

Conclusions:

Exergames help form exercise habits, promote healthy lifestyles, and enhance health ownership. “Ownership” means taking active control of one’s health conditions and making informed choices regarding their care and lifestyle. Motivation for social is essential for long-term adherence. Exergames can encourage exercise habits, healthier lifestyles, and greater health ownership. These changes indicate increased autonomy and competence, which are crucial for an enhanced sense of control and adaptation skills as individuals age. Social motivation, beyond enjoyment and fitness, appears to significantly enhance adherence, offering valuable insights for future program design aimed at promoting active and healthy aging. Clinical Trial: N/A