The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a home-based exergame program on physical function, fall efficacy, depression, and quality of life in older adults. For the purpose of the study, the investigators established the following hypotheses. Older adults who participate in a home-based exergame program will experience significant improvements in physical function, fall efficacy, depression, and quality of life compared to those who do not participate in the program.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
60
The home-based exergame program was conducted using the Nintendo Switch and Ring Fit Adventure program at participants' homes. The program included a 10-minute warm-up, 30 minutes of main exercise, and a 10-minute cool-down, lasting a total of 50 minutes per session. Sessions were held three times per week for eight weeks. The exercises targeted lower extremity strength, balance, and flexibility and included yoga, leg exercises (e.g., squats, knee lifts), and other activities performed in a gamified virtual environment. Participants received guidance on using the console, and family members were involved to support proper execution of the exercises.
The online education intervention consisted of weekly sessions conducted for 50 minutes over an eight-week period, focusing on fall prevention and musculoskeletal health management. Participants joined the sessions via a video-conference platform. The content covered education on aging, musculoskeletal disorders, fall prevention strategies, and understanding falls and fractures. These sessions aimed to enhance participants' awareness and knowledge, thereby helping them adopt preventive behaviors.
Kyungdong University
Wŏnju, Gangwon-do, South Korea
One-leg standing test
The one-leg standing test was used to evaluate static postural balance. The one-leg standing test is a simple, reliable, and valid test for assessing balance and fall risk in older adults.
Time frame: Change from baseline after intervention at 8 weeks
Berg balance scale
To evaluate dynamic postural balance, the Berg balance scale was used. It has a perfect score of 56 and consists of 14 items, with a perfect score of 4 for each item.
Time frame: Change from baseline after intervention at 8 weeks
Functional reaching test
Functional reaching test was used to evaluate movement limits.
Time frame: Change from baseline after intervention at 8 weeks
Timed up-and-go test
Timed up-and-go test was used to assess functional movement and mobility.
Time frame: Change from baseline after intervention at 8 weeks
Five-times sit-to-stand test
Five-times sit-to-stand test was used to evaluate lower-extremity muscle strength.
Time frame: Change from baseline after intervention at 8 weeks
Falls Efficacy
Falls efficacy was evaluated using the Modified Falls Efficacy Scale (MFES), which was specifically developed for older adults. The MFES consists of 14 questions, each scored from 0 (not confident) to 10 (very confident). The total score ranges from 0 to 140, with higher scores indicating greater confidence in performing activities without falling, which is considered a better outcome.
Time frame: Change from baseline after intervention at 8 weeks
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Depression
Depression was measured using the Geriatric Depression Scale-15 (GDS-15), a validated screening tool for older adults. The GDS-15 consists of 15 yes/no questions, with scores ranging from 0 to 15. Higher scores represent more severe depressive symptoms, which is considered a worse outcome.
Time frame: Change from baseline after intervention at 8 weeks
Health-Related Quality of Life
Health-related quality of life was measured using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), which assesses multiple domains of health status, including physical functioning, pain, role limitations, emotional problems, mental health, social functioning, vitality, and general health. The SF-36 contains 36 items, each rated on a scale from 1 to 5, with the total score converted to a range from 0 to 100. Higher scores indicate better health outcomes, reflecting a better quality of life.
Time frame: Change from baseline after intervention at 8 weeks