90EFFECTS OF ACTIVE VIDEO GAME TRAINING ON POSTURAL CONTROL OF OLDER ADULTS

Abstract

Introduction: Falls are among the main causes of morbidity and mortality in individuals over 60 years of age. Although their multifactorial origin, reductions in muscle strength and balance are among the main predictors of future events. Evidence from literature suggests that postural instability increases with ageing, mainly during dual-task activities. So, exercise training that challenges both balance and cognitive abilities appears promising in maintaining postural control in older age. Method(s): This study aims to evaluate the effects of active video game (AVG) training (Xbox kinetic) on postural control of older adults during single and dual-tasks. Thirtyone community-dwelling older adults volunteered to participate in the study and were divided into control group (n = 15) and AVG group (n = 16). After signing the informed consent form, the volunteers were given structured questionnaires (socio-demographic data and health profile), mental health assessment (Geriatric Depression Scale and Mini- Mental Examination State) and balance tests during single (maintenance of postural stability on stable and unstable surfaces) and dual (maintenance of postural stability on stable and unstable surfaces associated to a secondary cognitive or motor test) tasks. The variables calculated from COP displacement were: total area, root mean square of anteroposterior (RMSap) and mediolateral (RMSml) directions, and mean velocity in both directions. The AVG training was performed 2x/week, during 50 minutes/session, for a period of 12 weeks. For that, different games of kinetic sensors for Microsoft Xbox 360 were used. For all statistical analyses, the significance level was set at 5%. Result(s): No statistical difference was observed between groups for sociodemographic variables, health profile and mental health at baseline. Task effect was found for stable and unstable surfaces (i.e, COP displacement was greater in dual-tasks). Interaction between group and training was observed for sway area and mediolateral displacement of COP (RMSml). After 12 weeks of follow up, sway area and RMSml during dual task activity increased in control group, while RMSml decreased in AVG group. In older adults, postural oscillation is great during dual task, especially when the primary task is complex (e.g., unstable surface). Conclusion(s): Exercise-based video games were able to improve the postural stability during dual task of the trained group. More studies are needed to support the benefits of AVG training on dual task performance of older adults. This study was financed in part by CNPq, National Council of Scientific and Technological Development - Brazil (CNPq) and the Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior - Brasil (CAPES) - Finance Code 001.