Xbox Kinect Sports Effects on Cognition Status and Physical Performance in Physically Inactive Older Females: A...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Sports Science
• Cognitive Neuroscience

Background:

• Physically inactive older females are at risk for cognitive decline and reduced physical performance.
• Interventions are needed to improve health outcomes in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of Xbox Kinect Sports (XKS) versus a control group (CG) on cognitive status and physical performance.
• To evaluate the impact of XKS on measures of cognitive function, mobility, and fall efficacy in older females.

Main Methods:

• A 24-week randomized controlled trial involving 30 physically inactive older females (15 in XKS group, 15 in CG).
• Three weekly 60-minute sessions of XKS were compared to a control condition.
• Data analyzed using a two-way mixed analysis of variance with repeated measures.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements were observed in the XKS group for cognitive status (Mini-Mental State Examination - MMSE) and physical performance (Timed Up-and-Go - TUG).
• The XKS intervention also significantly reduced fear of falling (Falls Efficacy Scale-International - FES-I).
• No significant changes were noted in balance (Berg Balance Scale - BBS) or strength (Maximal Isometric Handgrip Strength - MIHS, Maximal Isometric Pinch Strength - MIPS).

Conclusions:

• Xbox Kinect Sports (XKS) is an effective intervention for enhancing cognitive status and physical performance in inactive older females.
• XKS can lead to reduced fall risk and improved mobility, as indicated by MMSE, TUG, and FES-I scores.
• Further research may explore XKS's effects on balance and strength in this population.