Can exergames contribute to improving walking capacity in older adults? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: The accessibility, low cost and motivation generated by exergames has fostered its rapid expansion as a rehabilitation technique.

Objective: To estimate the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs using IVGT in improving walking capacity of people aged 60 years and over.

Materials and methods: The electronic data research following the PRISMA Statement (Scopus, Cochrane, Web of Science, OT Seeker, National Guideline Clearinghouse, Trip Database, CSIC Spanish National Research Council) was completed in September 2018. The results of randomized clinical trials using exergames for rehabilitation of walking capacity were combined. The calculations have followed the guidelines of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system was used to evaluate the quality of the evidence.

Results: We obtained data from 14 trials, including 11 meta-analysis studies. The size of exergames effects on walking capacity is moderate, but significant (SMD -0.56; 95 % CI: -0.90, -0.21; p = 0.002). Effectiveness was greater to recover the ability to transfer from one position or place to another (SMD -1.02; CI 95 %: -1.70, -0.35; P = 0.003). The intervention protocols, their duration and intensity varied considerably. The lack of masking, the allocation concealment, the absence of assessor blinding were the main causes of bias so the final grade of evidence has been low for walking and very low for transfers.

Conclusions: Positive clinical effects of exergames have been found to improve walking capacity, but the quality of evidence to refute its effectiveness is weak with risk of bias. Further research is needed in order to know the actual magnitude of its effect.

Keywords: Exergames; Functional mobility; Game technology; Older adults; Virtual reality; Walking capacity.