title: Exergames: neuroplastic hypothesis about cognitive improvement and biological effects on physical function of institutionalized older persons.
abstract: Exergames can be considered a dual task because the games are performed by a man-videogame interface, requiring cognitive and motor functions simultaneously. Although the literature has shown improvements of cognitive and physical functions due to exergames, the intrinsic mechanisms involved in these functional changes have still not been elucidated. The aims of the present study were (1) to demonstrate the known biological mechanisms of physical exercise regarding muscle adaptation and establish a relationship with exergames; and (2) to present a neurobiological hypothesis about the neuroplastic effects of exergames on the cognitive function of institutionalized older persons. These hypotheses are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Physical Education and Sport Department of the Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Post Graduation Program (PhD) in Medicine (Neurology-Neuroscience), Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil; Neuroscience Laboratory of Exercise, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
authors.forename: Renato Sobral
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-8472-262X
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Monteiro-Junior
authors.affiliation: Higher School of Physical Education, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil.
authors.forename: César Augusto Otero
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Vaghetti
authors.affiliation: Neurology Department, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil.
authors.forename: Osvaldo José M
authors.initials: OJ
authors.lastname: Nascimento
authors.affiliation: Programa de Pós-graduação em Biomedicina Translacional - Biotrans, Universidade Unigranrio, Brazil; Institute of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa do Envelhecimento, Instituto Vital Brasil, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
authors.forename: Jerson
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Laks
authors.affiliation: Institute of Physical Education and Sport, Universdiade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Institute of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Neuroscience Laboratory of Exercise, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
authors.forename: Andrea Camaz
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Deslandes
keywords: cognition; elderly; neuroplasticity; nursing-home; physical activity; virtual reality