Enjoyment and physiological benefits from exergaming vs. brisk walking among older adults: a comparison

Mini-Oral Presentation C3.5

Authors

  • Reza Sayar University of Victoria
  • Farhad Daryanoosh Shiraz University
  • Maryam K. Jahromi Shiraz University
  • Ehsan Sinaei Shiraz University of Medical Sciences
  • Maryam K. Parizi Shiraz University
  • Sobhan Sobhani Shiraz University of Medical Sciences

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.779

Keywords:

Exergaming, Brisk Walking, Enjoyment, Older Adults

Abstract

Background: Physical activity (PA) rates are low among older adults, despite having various physiological and psychological benefits. Among the various reasons behind this low turn-out, is a lack of enjoyment from traditional exercise. Purpose: This study was conducted to compare the effects of Exergaming (EX;a form of active video gaming) with Brisk Walking (BW) on physiologic and psychological measures of older adults. Methods: 40 eligible male/female older adults were recruited in Shiraz, Iran. They were randomly put in two groups of 20 in a crossover design, and performed either a Brisk Walking or Exergaming session first and the other one a week later. Measures of Heart Rate (Chest Strap), Blood Pressure (Blood pressure monitor), Enjoyment (PACES Questionnaire) and Perceived Exertion (RPE Scale) were taken before, during, and after training sessions. A linear mixed model was used to analyze the data. Results: Although EX was physiologically more demanding compared to BW, as shown by both a significantly higher average ( p=0.003), and peak heart rate ( p=0.000), and also double product measurements ( p=0.002), it resulted in significantly lower levels of perceived exertion ( p=0.000), and higher enjoyment ( p=0.000) among older adults. Conclusions: Exergaming sessions can be a good alternative to traditional exercises like walking for older adults, providing higher to similar physiological benefits while being less exhausting and more enjoyable for the participants. Funding: No Funding sources to disclose. 

Published

2021-09-30

How to Cite

Sayar, R., Daryanoosh, F., Jahromi, M., Sinaei, E., Parizi, M., & Sobhani, S. (2021). Enjoyment and physiological benefits from exergaming vs. brisk walking among older adults: a comparison: Mini-Oral Presentation C3.5. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.779