title: Cardiovascular effects and enjoyment of exercise gaming in older adults.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to quantify the cardiovascular responses and enjoyment of one trial of electronic exercise gaming (EG) (Nintendo(®) Wii(™) Tennis) in healthy, older adults (mean age = 81 [SD = 4 years]). Findings indicate that 15 minutes of EG moderately increased heart rate (p < 0.001), blood pressure (p < 0.001), and perceived exertion (p < 0.0001) compared to resting levels. This corresponded to achieving 64% of age-predicted maximum heart rate. No differences were observed for the cardiovascular responses to EG between genders, but participants taking beta-blocker drugs showed an attenuated response (p < 0.05). All participants completed EG tennis without excessive fatigue, with 86% of participants enjoying the experience. There were only a few cases of EG-related arrhythmias (n = 2) and post-exercise muscle soreness (n = 3). These results suggest that Nintendo Wii Tennis EG technology represents an enjoyable, moderate intensity physical activity for healthy, older adults.
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Fachko
authors.forename: Canhau
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Xiao
authors.forename: Kathryn H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Bowles
authors.forename: Keith M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Robinson
authors.forename: Joseph R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Libonati
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002320:Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male