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J.M. Ribeiro Bacha1, G.C. Vieira Gomes1, T. Beline de Freitas2, C. Torriani-Pasin2, B. Lange3, J.E. Pompeu1
1University of Sao Paulo, Department of Physical Therapy, Speech and Occupational Therapy, Sao Paulo, Brazil, 2University of Sao Paulo, Laboratory of Motor Behavior, Sao Paulo, Brazil, 3BPhysio (Hons) Head of Teaching Section (Physiotherapy), College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Adelaide, Australia
Background: Depressive and anxiety disorders are considered the main cause of emotional suffering and decrease of quality of life among older adults. It has been suggested that the practice of physical exercise can be a treatment option for anxiety and depression. Alternative approaches such serious games show promise for reducing depression symptoms.
Purpose: To compare the effect of virtual reality, in the form of commercially available interactive Kinect Adventures video games, compared to a standard physical exercise program on depressive symptoms of older adults.
Methods: This is a pilot study, parallel group, single-blind randomized controlled pilot trial that recruited two intervention groups: Interactive Video Game Kinect Adventures (IVG, n=8) versus usual physical exercise program (PEP, n=6). The two groups completed a seven week program with a total of fourteen 60-minute sessions divided into two sessions a week. The IVG completed individual training sessions using the Microsoft Xbox Kinect Adventures games and the PEP performed a group exercise program. Depression symptoms were measured using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15). This measure was assessed pre-intervention, post intervention and at 30-day follow-up.
Results: There was a significant effect of assessment without group effect or interaction between factors, in the GDS-15 (RM-ANOVA, P < 0.0001). Both groups showed improvement in the GDS-15 post intervention assessment that was maintained after 30-day follow-up (Bonferroni post hoc test, P < 0.05).
Conclusion(s): The results of this study suggest that both Interactive Kinect Adventures video games and physical exercise provide beneficial effects on depressive symptoms of older adults.
Implications: The Kinect Adventures video games and exercise provide beneficial effects on the depressive symptoms of older adults.Thus, they can be used in clinical practice with depressive patients.
Funding, acknowledgements: Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior
Keywords: Aged, Mood Disorders, Virtual Reality
Topic: Mental health
Did this work require ethics approval? Yes
Institution: University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
Committee: University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
Ethics number: Certificate of Presentation for Ethical Appreciation 45547415.8.0000.0065
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
