Investigating innovative means of prompting activity uptake in older adults with type 2 diabetes: a feasibility study of exergaming.
BACKGROUND
Physical activity is effective in improving glycemic control in diabetes mellitus. Yet only 40% of people meet the recommended level of physical activity. Nintendo Wii tennis has an energy expenditure of moderate intensity, and may be a viable part of a physical activity programme.


METHODS
Eleven older people with diabetes who were sedentary participated in a pre-post-test designed study to examine physical activity levels, muscle strength, and physical performance after 4 weeks of group Nintendo Wii training.


RESULTS
Significant effects occurred on moderate physical activity time, total physical activity, dominant handgrip strength, non-dominant handgrip strength, 30 second chair stand and 400m walk test. No effect was observed for BMI, quality of life, or balance.


CONCLUSIONS
This study provided preliminary evidence of the effectiveness of group-based active video game programme on physical activity levels.
Discipline of General Practice, The University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia - h.senior@uq.edu.au.
Hugh
H
Senior
Tim
T
Henwood
Daniel
D
DE Souza
Geoffrey
G
Mitchell
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology; D005080:Exercise Test; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D018737:Hand Strength / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011788:Quality of Life; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018910:Video Games