Effects of a Physical Activity Program using Exergame with Elderly Women

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study was done to investigate the motivational, physical and affective benefits of exergaming in community dwelling older adult women. METHODS: The research design was a nonequivalent control group pre-test and post-test design. Sixty-one older adult women over the age of 65 were recruited from 6 community senior centers to participate in the 8 week exercise intervention or control group. Six centers were divided into one of three groups exergame, qigong exercise, or control. The exergame and the qigong exercise group received 16 sessions, scheduled twice a week, with each session lasting 50 minutes. Test measures were completed before and after the 8 week intervention period for all participants. Measures included Grip strength, chair stand, 6 m walking, balance, geriatric depression scale, vitality and intrinsic motivation. RESULTS: There were significant improvements in the exergame and qigong exercise group for grip strength, chair stand, 6m walking, balance, vitality and intrinsic motivation at the end the 8-week program compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: The exergame could be an effective alternative for older adult women to group exercise classes.