Play Mode Effect of Exergames on Subthreshold Depression Older Adults: A Randomized Pilot Trial

Abstract

Background: Subthreshold depression is a common mental disorder in late life. Increasing studies have supported the positive effects of exergames to subthreshold depression. The current study aims to investigate how play mode potentially affects exergames' effects on subthreshold depression among older adults. Method: A between-group experiment was carried out to compare the effect of exergames with different play modes. Fifty-two Singaporean older adults with subthreshold depression were randomly assigned into two conditions, and performed either single-player or multiple-player Nintendo Wii Tennis exergames for 6 weeks, while the key variables of depression, social support and loneliness were measured at both pre-and post-study period. Results: Findings from path analysis suggested that older adults in multipleplayer exergames experienced lower levels of loneliness, and further more reduction on subthreshold depression, when compared to those in single-player exergames. Although social support was not affected by play mode, the significant relationship among social support, loneliness, and depression was found in the context of exergaming. Conclusion: This study not only provides additional insight into a possible causal association lining play mode and health outcomes of exergames, but also opens the discussion of how to optimize antidepressive effect of exergames for older adults.

Impact of Exergames on the Mental Health of Older Adults: A Systematic Review and GRADE Evidence Synthesis

“…However, a growing body of research has confirmed that exergames have an effect on reducing depression symptoms and have extended the posi-tive effects of exergames to subliminal depression. [14][15][16][17][18] In addition, it is well established that physical activity triggers the release of certain body chemicals (such as b-endorphins or dopamine), resulting in improved mood and a sense of wellbeing, 18 with implications for the quality of life. 4 Given the emerging phenomenon of an aging society around the world, special attention is needed not only for physical wellbeing but also for the psychological wellbeing of older adults in general, 16 which goes beyond interventions for different disorders and illnesses.…”

A social VR-based collaborative exergame for rehabilitation: codesign, development and user study

“…A recent pilot study on play mode effects of exergaming on depression in older adults (Li et al. 2020 ) found that team-play could potentially reduce the experience of loneliness. Competition-based games have been shown to reduce intrinsic motivation (Song et al.…”

“…Like many other social exergames, the game in this study relied on adversarial game mechanics instead of centering the game around social collaboration. A recent pilot study on play mode effects of exergaming on depression in older adults (Li et al 2020) found that team-play could potentially reduce the experience of loneliness. Competition-based games have been shown to reduce intrinsic motivation (Song et al 2013) and lead to increased stress (Goršič et al 2017) and aggression (Pereira et al 2019).…”