Effects of Different Exercise Doses Through an Augmented Reality Exergame in Older Adults: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
2024
Javier Bravo-Aparicio | Patricia Domínguez-López | Cristina Díaz-González | Diego Martín-Caro Álvarez | David Martín-Caro Álvarez | Hector Beltran-Alacreu
(1) Background: Growth in the use of video games has spurred innovations in the health sector, especially through exergames, which promote physical activity using interactive technologies like augmented reality. Exergames are shown to enhance exercise motivation and engagement, yet enjoyment remains inconsistent across studies. This pilot study aims to provide evidence on how different exergaming doses affect exercise heart rate, perceived exertion, adverse effects, and enjoyment in older adults. (2) Methods: A pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare different doses of exercise through video games (13 vs. 28 min) in older adults living in a nursing home. A single bout of exergaming was provided to assess the outcomes: heart rate, rate of perceived exertion, physical activity enjoyment scale score, and adverse effects. (3) Results: Thirty-two older adults were recruited. This study revealed no significant differences in heart rate between groups (<i>p</i> = 0.1). There is a weak correlation between the rate of perceived exertion and the level of enjoyment (<i>r</i><sub>s</sub> = −0.193) and between the total time of the intervention and the incidence of adverse effects (<i>r</i><sub>s</sub> = 0.295). (4) Conclusions: The use of a higher dose of exergaming is effective in achieving moderate physical intensity. Also, the results suggest the intervention was generally well tolerated and enjoyed by older adults, with no serious adverse effects reported.
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