Do Active Video Games Improve Motor Function in People With Developmental Disabilities? A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Darren R Hocking; Hassan Farhat; Rebeca Gavrila; Karen Caeyenberghs; Nora Shields

doi:10.1016/j.apmr.2018.10.021

Do Active Video Games Improve Motor Function in People With Developmental Disabilities? A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2019 Apr;100(4):769-781. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2018.10.021. Epub 2018 Nov 30.

Authors

Darren R Hocking¹, Hassan Farhat², Rebeca Gavrila², Karen Caeyenberghs³, Nora Shields⁴

Affiliations

¹ Developmental Neuromotor and Cognition Lab, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Electronic address: D.Hocking@latrobe.edu.au.
² Developmental Neuromotor and Cognition Lab, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
³ Microstructural Imaging and Rehabilitative Plasticity Program, School of Psychology, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
⁴ Department of Rehabilitation, Nutrition and Sport, School of Allied Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

PMID: 30508504
DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2018.10.021

Abstract

Objective: To conduct a meta-analysis to examine the effectiveness of active video games (AVGs) interventions on motor function in people with developmental disabilities.

Data sources: An electronic search of 7 databases (PubMed, EbscoHost, Informit, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Proquest, PsychInfo) was conducted for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating AVGs to improve motor function in people with developmental disability, published through to May 2018.

Study selection: Only articles in a peer-reviewed journal in English were selected and screened by 2 independent reviewers for RCTs that compared AVGs to conventional therapy. Twelve RCTs involving 370 people with developmental disabilities met the inclusion criteria for quantitative analysis.

Data extraction: Two independent reviewers assessed risk of bias and study quality using the Egger's R, grading of recommendation, assessment, development and evaluation, and Template for Intervention Description and Replication checklists.

Data synthesis: Three meta-analyses revealed a large effect size for AVGs to improve gross motor skills (Hedges' g=0.833, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]=0.247-1.420), small to medium effects for balance (g=0.458, 95% CI=0.023-0.948), and a small, nonsignificant effect for functional mobility (g=0.425, 95% CI= -0.03 to 0.881). Training frequency (ie, number of sessions per week) moderated the effect of AVGs on motor function in people with developmental disabilities.

Conclusion: We conclude that AVGs show task-specific effectiveness for gross motor skills but the effects are moderated by training intensity. However, because of the low number of trials, diverse diagnoses, variable dosage, and multiple outcome measures of the included trials, these results need to be interpreted with caution.

Keywords: Developmental disabilities; Exercise; Gait; Movement; Posture; Randomized controlled trial; Rehabilitation.

Publication types

Meta-Analysis
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Systematic Review

MeSH terms

Child
Developmental Disabilities / physiopathology
Developmental Disabilities / rehabilitation*
Female
Humans
Male
Motor Skills
Physical Therapy Modalities*
Postural Balance
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
Treatment Outcome
Video Games*