Exergames for subsyndromal depression in older adults: a pilot study of a novel intervention.
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.
Rosenberg
Dori
D
Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology University of California San Diego (UCSD)/San Diego State University (SDSU), San Diego, CA, USA.
Depp
Colin A
CA
Vahia
Ipsit V
IV
Reichstadt
Jennifer
J
Palmer
Barton W
BW
Kerr
Jacqueline
J
Norman
Greg
G
Jeste
Dilip V
DV
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*