Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026
Exergaming in Older People Living with HIV Improves Balance, Mobility and Ameliorates Some Aspects of Frailty
Published on: October 6, 2016
The adaptation of the GameSquad exergaming intervention for young adults with Down syndrome: A pilot feasibility
Kameron Suire1, Brian C Helsel2, April Bowling3
1Department of Kinesiology, Berry College, 2277 Martha Berry Hwy NW Mount Berry, GA, 30149, USA.
Background:
Exergames may be a feasible alternative to in-person exercise that is adaptable for adults with Down Syndrome (DS).
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to conduct a 12-week pilot trial to assess the feasibility of exergames for adults with DS.
Methods:
Adults with DS were provided Ring Fit Adventure™ which uses a resistance ring and body weight to perform cardiovascular and strength exercises. Participants were instructed to play Ring Fit Adventure™ for 120 min/week and attend 30-min weekly virtual coaching sessions where a health educator encouraged gameplay via goal setting, helped troubleshoot technological issues, and collected self-reported minutes of gameplay. Intervention outcomes included attendance, adherence to weekly gameplay goals, retention, safety, and exercise intensity captured via heart rate and indirect calorimetry.
Results:
Twenty adults with DS (age 23.5 years, 89 % non-Hispanic white, 61 % female) enrolled and 19 participants completed the trial. Participants attended 93 % of coaching sessions and 90 % met the weekly gameplay goals. The average gameplay duration was 39 min/session and 123 min/week at 67.3 % of the participants' estimated maximum heart rate. Both the average heart rate during the intervention and metabolic equivalents (3.4 ± 1.0) during the indirect calorimetry assessment were suggestive of moderate intensity exercise.
Conclusions:
Attendance and adherence to the weekly gameplay goal were high among adults with DS who were able to reach and sustain moderate intensity during the exergame sessions. Exergaming represents a home-based option for accumulating minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity that is feasible for and acceptable to adults with DS.
