Evidence Summary
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Key messages from scientific research that's ready to be acted on
Got It, Hide thisDance exergames can improve various aspects of physical function in older adults
Yoong SQ, Wu VX, Chen C, et al. Dance exergames for older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis with narrative synthesis J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2024; 79: glae035.
Review question
What are the effects of dance exergames on physical function, cognitive health, and psychological health in older adults?
Background
Sitting too much and not getting enough exercise can reduce quality of life and lead to a higher risk of death. Many older adults do not engage in physical activity. Dance and exergames, which are exercise-based video games that use sensors to track movement and relay information, are two ways to get active and have been areas of interest for researchers. However, the health effects of combining the two in the form of dance exergames have not been heavily investigated, therefore requiring more research.
How the review was done
This is a systematic review and meta-analysis of 43 studies including randomized controlled trials. These studies were published between 2010 and 2023 and included a total of 1,139 participants.
Key features of the studies:
- Participants were older adults aged 60 and over who were healthy or living with a health condition (e.g., high blood pressure, Parkinson’s, urinary incontinence, etc.).
- Participants engaged in immersive (e.g., used a virtual reality headset) or non-immersive dance exergames either alone or in combination with different types of exercise like tai chi.
- Dance exergame training sessions ranged from a total of 1 – 52 sessions conducted over the span of 1 day to 24 weeks. Sessions generally ranged in duration from a couple of minutes to 75 minutes.
- Researchers measured changes in physical, cognitive, and psychological outcomes.
- Participants engaging in dance exergames were compared to control groups generally maintaining their regular lifestyle, engaging in different types of exercise (e.g., resistance training, treadmill walking) or manual activities (e.g., sewing, painting), or receiving education.
What the researchers found
The review found that compared to control groups, engaging in dance exergames improved the following aspects of physical function in older adults:
- Dynamic balance
- Choice stepping reaction time
- Movement time
- Timed up and go time
No effect was seen on other aspects of physical function and performance like static balance, cognitive outcomes, or psychological outcomes. More high-quality research is needed to confirm these findings.
Conclusion
In older adults, dance exergames can enhance different aspects of physical function, including dynamic balance.
Related Topics
Glossary
Time it takes for a person to process a visual signal (i.e., a flashing light on the floor) and physically respond by stepping on it. It’s a test of decision-making/cognitive processing, reaction time, and balance.
A group that receives either no treatment or a standard treatment.
Staying balanced while moving around or changing positions.
Advanced statistical methods contrasting and combining results from different studies.
Time it takes perform a movement that’s been initiated.
Studies where people are assigned to one of the treatments purely by chance.
Staying balanced when in an upright position but without moving feet.
A comprehensive evaluation of the available research evidence on a particular topic.
Time it takes for someone to complete a mobility and balance-related task or test.
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