Effects of Commercial Exergames vs. Traditional Indoor Exercise on Mood in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled...

With the development of the silver economy, older adults have shown increasing interest in digital technologies, such as electronic fitness games (Exergames). This study explores the impact of commercial exergames on the emotional experience of older adults in order to provide novel ideas and applications for healthy aging.

This was a prospective, single-center, unblinded, repeated-measures randomized controlled trial comparing an exergame intervention with traditional indoor exercise. This study included 30 older adults (aged 60-89 years) who were able to move independently. The intervention group performed exergame training using Ring Fit Adventure, whereas the comparison group performed traditional indoor exercise. The intervention lasted four weeks, with two sessions per week (eight sessions). Mood states were assessed using the Brunel Mood Scale, and data were analyzed using a linear mixed-effects model to examine group, time, and interaction effects.

Significant group × time interaction effects were observed for confusion, depression, fatigue, tension, and vigor (p < 0.05). No significant interaction effect was found for anger (p = 0.942).

This study examined commercial exergames from the perspectives of emotional experience and mental health. Both commercial exergames and traditional indoor exercise were associated with improvements in immediate mood states. The exergame-based training approach was associated with lower levels of confusion, depression, and fatigue, as well as higher vigor scores. The results provide preliminary evidence regarding the role of digital exercise in mood regulation among older adults.