Video Games for Rehabilitation: A New Approach to Influence the Quality of Life in Practically Healthy Elderly Persons

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Video games are new and potentially helpful technology that can be implemented on any computing device. The specific features and role of physical activity in the prevention and treatment of the elderly are well known but its impact on their quality of life is understudied. Video games are suitable for use on their own or in combination with other physiotherapy approaches in healthy people or patients with central and peripheral nervous system disorders. AIM: To assess the impact of 3D camera rehabilitation video games on quality of life in practically healthy elderly. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted with 50 practically healthy adults and older adults (24 women were included in the experimental group, with an average age of 76.75 ± 6.89, and 26 women in the control group, with an average age of 73.69 ± 6.89). The effect on their quality of life after the application of video games for rehabilitation with a 3D camera was evaluated and compared with a control group that received conventional, group physiotherapy. For all participants, the video games or physiotherapy were performed 3 times a week for 7 weeks. A modified SF-36 quality of life scale was used to assess the results. RESULTS: The present study shows that the applied video games rehabilitation program positively affected the quality of life of the individuals in the experimental group, most notably regarding limitations in emotional health, strength, pain, and general health (p<0.01). Significant intergroup differences were found regarding pain (p<0.02) and general health (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: The observed improvement shows the advantages of rehabilitation video games based on modern neurorehabilitation principles.