Article

The newer generation of active video games (AVGs), which allow the
participant to interact with the platform by performing exercise movements, seems
promising in increasing physical activity (PA) and behavioral change toward a
healthier lifestyle in several disease backgrounds.
This literature review aims
to establish a rationale for using AVGs as a complement to cardiac rehabilitation (CR). METHODS: A systematic review was conducted to query whether AVGs are
effective at improving various health parameters in adults/seniors, which could
be useful for CR. From 134 identified studies, only 21 were finally included as
trials meeting the required criteria. The majority reported gameplay intensities
that could be classified as light-moderate PA. AVGs revealed superior
effectiveness or noninferiority at improving balance. DISCUSSION: AVGs seem to
offer numerous relevant cardiovascular and noncardiovascular benefits and pose
minimal risks for the adult/senior population. AVGs seem a feasible, effective,
and safe supplementation strategy, in light of the specificities of the CR
population. Clinicians could borrow several concepts incorporated in AVGs to
develop a CR intervention that is fun and engaging to improve adherence.
CONCLUSION: On the basis of this review, the usefulness of AVGs to improve PA,
cardiorespiratory fitness, and motor function in older adults appears to be
poorly described. In particular, data on the impact of AVGs on the CR population
seem inexistent. Nevertheless, there are reasons to believe that AVGs may prove
important to address the health and well-being concerns of this population. More
research in the specific setting of CR is warranted.

Langue : ANGLAIS