Adherence to a Videogame-Based Physical Activity Program for Older Adults with Schizophrenia

Abstract

Objectives: Adults with schizophrenia are a growing segment of the older adult population. Evidence suggests that they engage in limited physical activity. Interventions are needed that are tailored around their unique limitations. An active videogame-based physical activity program that can be offered at a treatment facility can overcome these barriers and increase motivation to engage in physical activity. The purpose of this report is to describe the adherence to a videogame-based physical activity program using the Kinect Ò for Xbox Ò 360 game system (Microsoft Ò , Redmond, WA) in older adults with schizophrenia. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive longitudinal study among 34 older adults with schizophrenia to establish the adherence to an active videogame-based physical activity program. In our ongoing program, once a week for 6 weeks, participants played an active videogame, using the Kinect for Xbox 360 game system, for 30 minutes. Adherence was measured with a count of sessions attended and with the total minutes attended out of the possible total minutes of attendance (180 minutes). Results: Thirty-four adults with schizophrenia enrolled in the study. The mean number of groups attended was five out of six total (standard deviation = 2), and the mean total minutes attended were 139 out of 180 possible (standard deviation = 55). Fifty percent had perfect attendance. Conclusions: Older adults with schizophrenia need effective physical activity programs. Adherence to our program suggests that videogames that use the Kinect for Xbox 360 game system are an innovative way to make physical activity accessible to this population.

The Impact of a Videogame-Based Pilot Physical Activity Program in Older Adults with Schizophrenia on Subjectively and Objectively Measured Physical Activity

“…We designed and tested a videogame-based physical activity program designed to keep older adults with schizophrenia engaged and motivated to participate in physical activity. ( 10 , 11 ) Consistent with previous findings from videogame research, ( 13 ) as our participants became more involved and successful with active videogames, they developed skills that made it easier to engage in activity ( 10 ). One of the study objectives was to examine the impact of the program on physical activity in participants’ every day life.…”

“…Not only do we need effective physical activity programs for older adults with schizophrenia but we also need programs that will successfully engage older adults with schizophrenia ( 6 , 9 ). Videogame-based exercise may be one way to promote physical activity in this vulnerable population ( 10 , 11 ). Videogames with an interface that requires physical exertion to play, such as the Kinect for Xbox 360 game system (Microsoft, Redmond, WA, USA), promote physical activity ( 11 , 12 ).…”

Exercise Treatments for Psychosis: a Review

“…Evidence suggests that implementing exercise routines that involve structure, incentives, motivational counseling, and support may help to facilitate engagement in physical activity [93, 111, 112]. Further, videogames utilizing movement show potential in easing transitions into more active lifestyles because social pressure may be less prevalent and overwhelming [113]. Recent trends in videogaming using augmented reality that require walking distances to complete game tasks has gained immense enthusiasm among patients with mental illness.…”

Physical exercise and the patient with schizophrenia

“…27 It is thus self-evident that tailored exercise regimens, accompanied by ongoing assessment, encouragement and adjustment, as described for somatic disorders, [20][21][22] may motivate patients with schizophrenia to become physically active. In addition to conventional physical exercise, a number of studies showed that video games that require physical movement 31 and physical exercise paired to tablet-based neurofeedback can motivate patients and consequently decrease the attrition rate. 32 Relatively simple forms of wearable technology such as step counters may encourage a more active lifestyle and facilitate exercise prescriptions, 19,21 while more sophisticated wearable technology may be employed to track patient progress.…”