Effects of physically active video gaming on cognition and activities of daily living in childhood brain tumor survivors: a randomized pilot study

Abstract

Background. Physical activity can enhance cognitive functions in both animals and humans. We hypothesized that physically active video gaming could: i) improve cognitive functions and ii) improve the execution of activities of daily living among survivors of childhood brain tumors. Methods. Children 7 to 17 years old who completed treatment, including radiotherapy, for a brain tumor 1 to 5 years earlier were randomized to either intervention or waiting list. After 10 to 12 weeks the groups crossed over. The intervention consisted of active video gaming, using a motion-controlled video console (Nintendo Wii), for a minimum of 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week and weekly Internet-based coaching sessions. Evaluations before and after each period included tests of the execution of activities of daily living, using the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS) and cognitive tests. Test scores before and after the intervention were compared. A parallel group comparison was performed as a sensitivity analysis. Results. All 13 children enrolled completed the program. Compared to baseline, the motor (P= .012) and process (P=.002) parts of AMPS improved significantly after active video gaming. In the parallel group analysis the improvement in the process part of AMPS remained statistically significant (P= .029), but not the change in AMPS motor score (P= .059). No significant change was found in cognitive tests although there were trends for improvement in sustained attention (P = .090) and selective attention (P = .078). Conclusion. In this pilot study, active video gaming used as a home-based intervention for childhood brain tumor survivors improved motor and process skills in activities of daily living.

eHealth and mHealth interventions in pediatric cancer: A systematic review of interventions across the cancer continuum

“…Specifically, a cancer survivor–tailored mHealth weight management intervention demonstrated a significant increase in physical activity among survivors (median age = 13 years) . However, with respect to the six remaining investigations, which all incorporated both eHealth and mHealth interventions across pediatric and AYA cancer survivors, significant changes in physical activity were not observed . These nonsignificant findings for physical activity are likely related to a combination of factors, including underpowered analyses and lack of individualization that was observed for the cancer survivor‐tailored mHealth weight management intervention.…”

“…There were 16 eHealth interventions that were diverse in content and type. These studies involved the use of social robotic‐assisted therapy to reduce cancer‐related distress; cognitive rehabilitation to mitigate risk associated with neurocognitive late effects; web‐based resources to improve cancer knowledge and health‐related behavior change; video games to improve treatment adherence, physical functioning, and QoL; and virtual reality to decrease procedure‐related distress as well as anxiety and depression …”

“…Eight studies investigated health behaviors, including activities of daily living, physical activity, weight management, smoking cessation, and alcohol use . A significant increase in activities of daily living was observed among pediatric cancer patients (mean age = 12.5 years) following a 12‐week active video gaming intervention . Two studies examined interventions for heath behaviors related to smoking and drinking .…”

“…Finally, seven studies investigated physical activity, with one of these studies also including weight management . Overall, results pertaining to physical activity were mixed.…”

“…Five studies investigated neurocognitive functioning; outcomes included specific domains of cognitive functioning, learning problems, and patterns of neurological activation …”