[Effects of a physical activity program using exergame with elderly women].

PURPOSE: This study was done to investigate the motivational, physical and affective benefits of exergaming in community dwelling older adult women.

METHODS: The research design was a nonequivalent control group pre-test and post-test design. Sixty-one older adult women over the age of 65 were recruited from 6 community senior centers to participate in the 8 week exercise intervention or control group. Six centers were divided into one of three groups: exergame, qigong exercise, or control. The exergame and the qigong exercise group received 16 sessions, scheduled twice a week, with each session lasting 50 minutes. Test measures were completed before and after the 8 week intervention period for all participants. Measures included: Grip strength, chair stand, 6 m walking, balance, geriatric depression scale, vitality and intrinsic motivation.

RESULTS: There were significant improvements in the exergame and qigong exercise group for grip strength, chair stand, 6m walking, balance, vitality and intrinsic motivation at the end the 8-week program compared with the control group.

CONCLUSION: The exergame could be an effective alternative for older adult women to group exercise classes.

KEYWORDS: Older adults; Physical activity; Qigong; Video games

PMID: 25743737 DOI: 10.4040/jkan.2015.45.1.84