title: Physical and psychosocial function in residential aged-care elders: effect of Nintendo Wii Sports games.
abstract: This mixed-methods, quasi-experimental pilot study examined whether the Nintendo Wii Sports (NWS) active video game (exergame) system could significantly improve the functional ability, physical activity levels, and quality of life of 34 older adults (4 men and 30 women, 83 ± 8 yr) living in 2 residential aged-care (RAC) centers. Change score analyses indicated the intervention group had significantly greater increases in bicep curl muscular endurance, physical activity levels, and psychological quality of life than the control group (p < .05). Analysis of the quotes underlying the 3 themes (feeling silly, feeling good; having fun; and something to look forward to) suggested that intervention group participants developed a sense of empowerment and achievement after some initial reluctance and anxiousness. They felt that the games were fun and provided an avenue for greater socialization. These results add some further support to the utilization of NWS exergames in the RAC context.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.
authors.forename: Justin W L
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Keogh
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Power
authors.forename: Leslie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Wooller
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Lucas
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Whatman
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology*; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D009735:Nursing Homes; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011584:Psychology; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D057173:Recreation Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D013177:Sports / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D018910:Video Games / Q000523:psychology*