title: Exergames for subsyndromal depression in older adults: a pilot study of a novel intervention.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Subsyndromal depression (SSD) is several times more common than major depression in older adults and is associated with significant negative health outcomes. Physical activity can improve depression, but adherence is often poor. The authors assessed the feasibility, acceptability, and short-term efficacy and safety of a novel intervention using exergames (entertaining video games that combine game play with exercise) for SSD in older adults.
  
  
  METHODS
  Community-dwelling older adults (N = 19, aged 63-94 years) with SSD participated in a 12-week pilot study (with follow-up at 20-24 weeks) of Nintendo's Wii sports, with three 35-minute sessions a week.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eight-six percent of enrolled participants completed the 12-week intervention. There was a significant improvement in depressive symptoms, mental health-related quality of life (QoL), and cognitive performance but not physical health-related QoL. There were no major adverse events, and improvement in depression was maintained at follow-up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings provide preliminary indication of the benefits of exergames in seniors with SSD. Randomized controlled trials of exergames for late-life SSD are warranted.
authors.affiliation: Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology University of California San Diego (UCSD)/San Diego State University (SDSU), San Diego, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Dori
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Rosenberg
authors.forename: Colin A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Depp
authors.forename: Ipsit V
authors.initials: IV
authors.lastname: Vahia
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Reichstadt
authors.forename: Barton W
authors.initials: BW
authors.lastname: Palmer
authors.forename: Jacqueline
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kerr
authors.forename: Greg
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Norman
authors.forename: Dilip V
authors.initials: DV
authors.lastname: Jeste
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D003071:Cognition; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011788:Quality of Life; D018910:Video Games / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology*