Exergame vs. Aerobic Exercise and Functional Fitness of Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

IntroductionAging causes changes in the physiological systems that may impact on reducing the functional performance in older adults. This reduction often compromises the ability to perform daily tasks (Buchman, Wilson, Leurgans, Bennett, & Barnes, 2015). In turn, physical exercise can delay the deleterious effects of aging by preserving the independence and autonomy of older adults (Nakano, Otonari, Takara, Carmo, & Tanaka, 2014). The benefits of aerobic exercise on functional fitness are well described in review and meta-analysis studies (Chudyk & Petrella, 2011; Santos-Parker, LaRocca, & Seals, 2014). An alternative exercise that has been discussed in recent years is exergaming (Molina, Ricci, Moraes, & Perracini, 2014; Primack et al., 2012), a virtual experience that mix physical exercise and video games.Studies with older adults showed that interventions with different games of exergame can improve cognitive and physical functions (Maillot, Perrot & Hartley, 2012) and the quality of life (Maillot, Perrot, Hartley, & Do, 2014) of their practitioners. However, few studies have evaluated the effects of exergamingbased exercise program on the functional fitness of older people (Maillot et al., 2012; Maillot et al., 2014). Some studies have used balance sets and force plates to assess the balance (Padala et al., 2012), strength and endurance of the lower limbs (Jorgensen, Laessoe, Hendriksen, Nielsen, & Aagaard, 2013; Kim, Son, Ko, & Yoon, 2013). However, other physical parameters such as aerobic endurance need to be better investigated. Furthermore, although some interventions with sports exergame (which simulate sport practices) have been explored (Maillot et al., 2012; Maillot et al., 2014), it is also necessary to assess the effects of these games compared to conventional exercises. Game modalities like "cybercycle" (Anderson-Hanley et al., 2012), and balance games (yoga, slalom skiing) (Padala et al., 2012) were compared to conventional activities (i.e., stationary bikes and walking), with similar results on cognitive functions and balance when evaluated. However, no studies comparing the effects of sporting exergame with conventional exercise for the functional fitness of older adults. Given the above, the objective of this study was to compare the effects of physical exercise with sporting exergame and aerobic exercise on ergometers on the functional fitness of healthy older adults.Material & MethodsTrial DesignThe trial was designed as a randomized parallel two-arm clinical investigation, in which outcomes were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention.The research protocol was approved by the Research in Ethics Committee of the Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (No 329 649; 09882613.0.0000.0121 CAAE), and all the participants signed a written informed consent for their participation. The trial is registered with number RBR-9crpzc (http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-9crpzc/). ParticipantsThe study participants were older adults (55 and over) of both sexes. To participate, the respondents had to meet the following eligibility criteria: no participation in a regular physical exercise program in the previous three months; submission of a medical certificate allowing them to practice physical exercise; no previous contact with exergame; no visual and/or hearing impairment to limit the identification of images, colors and sounds. The following exclusion criteria were also adopted: a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease; Parkinson's disease; disabling neurological diseases; psychiatric comorbidities; neurodegenerative diseases; severe cardiovascular disease; using beta-blockers and/or antidepressant drugs.Setting and Participant RecruitmentInformation on the project was disseminated through the main webpages of the Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), in order to recruit respondents to participate in the project. …