Effects of exergaming on executive function of older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background Executive function (EF) involves a series of high-level processes, such as inhibition, switching, and updating. Aging-related cognitive decline has been shown to be strongly associated with EF worsening. The aims of this study were to perform a meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of exergaming, an emerging intervention, on EF performance in older adults and to conduct a moderator analysis of exergaming effects on EF. Methods Randomized controlled trials examining exergaming influences on EF in older adults were collated by searching the Web of Science, Elsevier Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. Statistical data were quantified in Comprehensive Meta-analysis software. Overall EF and EF domains (inhibition, switching, and updating) were analyzed separately. Results A total of 15 studies were included. The meta-analysis results indicated that exergaming had a significant influence on overall EF in the older adult (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.349, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.191–0.506], p < 0.001). The same effects were also found in EF domains of inhibition (SMD = 0.415, 95% CI [0.102–0.729], p = 0.009), switching (SMD = 0.243, 95% CI [0.071–0.415], p = 0.005), and updating (SMD = 0.366, 95% CI [0.140–0.592], p = 0.002). The effects of exergaming on overall EF were found to be moderated by the frequency of the intervention (Q(1) = 3.537, p = 0.06). Conclusion Exergaming was confirmed to improve overall EF, as well as in older adults, and the effect of exergaming on EF was shown to be moderated by intervention frequency.

Feasibility, safety, and effects of a Nintendo Ring Fit Adventure™ balance and strengthening exercise program in community‐dwelling older adults with a history of falls: A feasibility randomized controlled trial

“…Some preliminary studies suggested that exergaming interventions may improve these clinical outcomes in older adults when the interventions involved components that have strong effects on the outcomes concerned (e.g., incorporating cognitively stimulating games during physical exercises). 38,[43][44][45] We demonstrated a high retention and adherence of the NRFA exercise program in the participants. This suggests that our exercise program is potentially enjoyable and can motivate older adults to engage in exercise training.…”

“…We expected that the NRFA exercise program may have only small effects on these clinical outcomes because the program did not specifically focus on improving these outcomes. Some preliminary studies suggested that exergaming interventions may improve these clinical outcomes in older adults when the interventions involved components that have strong effects on the outcomes concerned (e.g., incorporating cognitively stimulating games during physical exercises) 38,43–45 …”

Effects of chronic physical exercise on executive functions and episodic memory in clinical and healthy older adult populations: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

“…While one review examined only nursing home residents [ 38 ], another review [ 45 ] included only community-dwelling older adults. On the other site, while one review [ 33 ] focused only on aerobic exercise, another review [ 37 ] centered merely on resistance training, yet a third one [ 42 ] focused on exergames.…”

The Effects of Different Exercise Interventions on Patients with Subjective Cognitive Decline: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

“…Recent research findings have supported the potential relationship between physical activity and neural changes, indicating that MBE can modulate brain structures ( 64 ) and induce alterations in brain neural activity and functional connectivity ( 64 , 65 ), including regions such as the hippocampus ( 66 ) and prefrontal cortex ( 64 ), which play a crucial role in cognitive function. Currently, consistent observations indicate reduced structural integrity in the hippocampus and prefrontal gray matter in individuals with SCD ( 67 – 70 ), as well as a decrease in the functional connectivity between the hippocampus and prefrontal regions ( 71 , 72 ).…”