Exergames-based intervation for asssited living residents: A pilot study

Abstract

The physical and psychosocial benefi ts of exergames have been reported in various literature. A pre-posttest, single-group design was used to test the eff ects of an exergames-based intervention on cognition, depression, and health-related quality of life (QOL) in assisted living residents. Bandura's self-effi cacy theory was applied. Seven residents (mean age = 86, SD = 5 years) participated in the program two times per week for 8 weeks. Outcome measures included cognition, depression, and health-related QOL. No statistically signifi cant diff erences were found in any of the outcomes after the intervention. A tendency toward improved cognition occurred, but the outcomes of depression and health-related QOL did not follow a similar trend. However, improved socialization and motivation to exercise were reported. Continued research is needed to investigate the cognitive and psychosocial eff ects of exergames on this population. Nurses can collaborate with other health care professionals to engage residents in exercise and thus improve residents' QOL.