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Effect of Exergame Training on Working Memory and Executive Function in Older Adults

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Listed:
  • Chenxi Zhao

    (School of Physical Education, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China)

  • Chenglei Zhao

    (School of Physical Education, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China)

  • Minmin Zhao

    (School of Physical Education, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China)

  • Lin Wang

    (School of Physical Education, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China)

  • Jiawei Guo

    (School of Physical Education, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China)

  • Longhai Zhang

    (School of Physical Education, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China)

  • Yunfeng Li

    (School of Physical Education, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China)

  • Yuliang Sun

    (School of Physical Education, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China)

  • Ling Zhang

    (School of Physical Education, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China)

  • Zheng’ao Li

    (School of Physical Education, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China)

  • Wenfei Zhu

    (School of Physical Education, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China)

Abstract

Background: As the population ages, cognitive impairment and dementia have become one of the greatest health threats in older adults. Prior studies suggest that exergaming could improve cognitive function in older adults. To date, few long-term exergames intervention studies on older adults during the COVID-19 epidemic exist. This study aimed to investigate the effects of exergame on cognitive function in Chinese older adults, and to examine whether exergame was more effective than aerobic dancing for executive function and working memory. Methods: 55 participants (mean age = 65.4 ± 3.7 years) were randomly assigned to an exergame training (ET) group, an aerobic dancing training (ADT) group, or a control (CON) group. The ET and ADT groups received 36 sessions (three 75-min training sessions per week, exercise intensity = 65 to 75% HR max ) during a 12-week period. The outcome measures for cognitive function included working memory measured by the N-back test, and executive function measured by the Stroop test. Results: The ET group showed a significantly positive effect in working memory, relative to the ADT (accuracy in 1-back test: ES = 0.76, p < 0.01), and CON group (accuracy in 1-back test: ES = 0.87, p = 0.02). Moreover, the performance in the Stroop test showed some improvements in executive function after intervention in the ET and ADT groups (Stroop intervention effect: ES = 0.38; p = 0.25). Conclusions: Exergame had a positive benefit in improving cognitive functions in older adults without cognitive impairment. Long-term exergame training could improve working memory in older adults. Exergame and aerobic dancing can efficiently improve inhibitory control of executive function in older adults. Maintaining an active lifestyle is protective of cognitive health in older adults.

Suggested Citation

  • Chenxi Zhao & Chenglei Zhao & Minmin Zhao & Lin Wang & Jiawei Guo & Longhai Zhang & Yunfeng Li & Yuliang Sun & Ling Zhang & Zheng’ao Li & Wenfei Zhu, 2022. "Effect of Exergame Training on Working Memory and Executive Function in Older Adults," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(17), pages 1-11, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:17:p:10631-:d:898135
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Valentin Amrhein & Sander Greenland & Blake McShane, 2019. "Scientists rise up against statistical significance," Nature, Nature, vol. 567(7748), pages 305-307, March.
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    1. Bárbara-Mariana Gutiérrez-Pérez & Antonio-Víctor Martín-García & Alicia Murciano-Hueso & Ana-Paula Oliveira Cardoso, 2023. "Use of serious games with older adults: systematic literature review," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 10(1), pages 1-17, December.
    2. Elvira Maranesi & Elisa Casoni & Renato Baldoni & Ilaria Barboni & Nadia Rinaldi & Barbara Tramontana & Giulio Amabili & Marco Benadduci & Federico Barbarossa & Riccardo Luzi & Valentina Di Donna & Pi, 2022. "The Effect of Non-Immersive Virtual Reality Exergames versus Traditional Physiotherapy in Parkinson’s Disease Older Patients: Preliminary Results from a Randomized-Controlled Trial," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-11, November.

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