Effects of Playing Exergames on Quality of Life among Young Adults: A 12-Week Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether playing exergames can enhance quality of life among young adults and it examines the potential moderators. Methods: A 12-week randomized controlled trial was conducted. Quality of life was measured using the short-form 36-item version (SF-36) scale. All the participants were between 20 and 24 years old in Taiwan. Participants in the intervention group (n = 55) were asked to play exergames for 12 weeks, three times a week and 30 minutes at a time, while participants in the control group (n = 62) did not play exergames. The changes in the scores on quality of life between the beginning and the end of the 12-week trial were calculated. Independent t-tests were used to analyze the differences. Results: The intervention group participants experienced an enhanced quality of life in terms of physical functioning, role-physical (role limitations due to physical health), general health, and social functioning. Moreover, the intervention group participants who were not enthusiastic about exercisers experienced an enhanced quality of life in physical functioning, role-physical, and general health. The intervention group participants who attempted to control their weight experienced enhanced general health, vitality, and mental health. Conclusion: Playing exergaming could contribute to users’ quality of life in terms of both physical and mental health.

The Relationship between Gamified Physical Exercise and Mental Health in Adolescence: An Example of Open Innovation in Gamified Learning

“…Physical gamified practice favors sociability or socialization processes. In fact, studies such as those by the authors of [57][58][59]62,64,66,68] agree with the study described by the author of [73], who found better social functioning and good mental health in young adults. The author of [66] expressed concern about the toxic behaviors that can gestate in social networks.…”

Home-Based Exergame Program to Improve Physical Function, Fall Efficacy, Depression and Quality of Life in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…In this study, physical function, role limitation due to physical health, general health, and vitality were significantly improved in the health-related quality of life evaluation. In a previous study of the exergame program for the older adults, among the SF-36 items, there were significant differences only in physical function, role limitation by physical health, social role functioning, and general health perceptions items [ 71 , 72 ]. As the home-based exergame program in this study consisted of exercises that directly affect physical function, significant improvements were seen in items related to physical function as well.…”