A2 Review article, Literature review, Systematic review
Effectiveness of Exergame Intervention on Walking in Older Adults : A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials (2021)
Janhunen, M., Karner, V., Katajapuu, N., Niiranen, O., Immonen, J., Karvanen, J., Heinonen, A., & Aartolahti, E. (2021). Effectiveness of Exergame Intervention on Walking in Older Adults : A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Physical Therapy, 101(9), Article pzab152. https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzab152
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Janhunen, Maarit; Karner, Vera; Katajapuu, Niina; Niiranen, Oona; Immonen, Jaakko; Karvanen, Juha; Heinonen, Ari; Aartolahti, Eeva
Journal or series: Physical Therapy
ISSN: 0031-9023
eISSN: 1538-6724
Publication year: 2021
Publication date: 21/06/2021
Volume: 101
Issue number: 9
Article number: pzab152
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Publication country: United Kingdom
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzab152
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/77942
Abstract
Methods. A literature search was carried out in the databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, CENTRAL, EMBASE, WoS, PsycInfo and PEDro up to January 10, 2020. Studies with a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) design, people ≥60 years of age without neurological disorders, comparison group with other exercise or no exercise, and walking related outcomes were included. Cochrane RoB2, meta-analysis, meta-regression, and GRADE were used to estimate quality, treatment effect, covariates’ effect, and the certainty of evidence, respectively.
Results. In the studies included (n = 66), the overall risk of bias was low (n = 2), unclear (n = 48) or high (n = 16). Compared with comparison groups, exergaming interventions were more effective for walking improvements (SMD = −0.21; 95% CI = −0.36 to −0.06; 3102 participants, 58 studies; moderate-quality evidence) and more or equally effective (SMD = −0.32; 95% CI = −0.64 to 0.00; 1028 participants, 13 studies; low-quality evidence) after nonexergaming follow-up. The strongest effect for covariates was observed with the type of comparison group, explaining 18.6% of the variance.
Conclusions. For older adults without neurological disorders, exergame-based training improved walking, and improvements were maintained at follow-up. Greater benefits were observed when exergaming groups were compared to inactive comparison groups. To strengthen the evidence, further RCTs on the effectiveness of gamified exercise intervention are needed.
Impact. Exergaming has effect equivalent to other types of exercising on improving walking in older adults. Physical therapists and other rehabilitation professionals may consider exergaming as a promising form of exercise in this age group.
Keywords: rehabilitation; exercise therapy; intervention (treatment methods); digital games; walking (motion); older people; systematic reviews; meta-analysis
Free keywords: exergames; aged
Contributing organizations
Related research datasets
Ministry reporting: Yes
Reporting Year: 2021
JUFO rating: 2