Exergames vs. traditional exercise: investigating the influencing mechanism of platform effect on subthreshold depression among older adults

ABSTRACT

Objective: This study aimed to examine the influencing mechanism of exercise platform effect on subthreshold depression among older adults by comparing exergames and traditional exercise.

Method: One hundred and two Singaporean older adults were assigned to either playing Wii exergames or performing traditional exercise programs once a week, for six weeks.

Results: Results confirmed a direct negative platform effect on subthreshold depression and further supported the mediation role of positive emotions in the platform effect. It implied that exergames led to higher positive emotions than traditional exercise, which further reduced the subthreshold depression among older adults. Self-efficacy was not supported to be a significant mediator in the relations between exercise platform and subthreshold depression.

Conclusion: A better understanding of the mechanisms behind the antidepressant effects of exercise platform would not only provide additional insight into a possible causal association, but also inspire the future use of exergames in the treatment of subthreshold depression.

KEYWORDS:

• Video game
• ageing
• mental disorder
• mediation

Disclosure statement

There is no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This research is supported by (1) 3K research grant under Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information, Nanyang Technological University, and (2) the National Research Foundation, Prime Minister's Office, Singapore, under its International Research Centres in Singapore Funding Initiative and administered by the Interactive Digital Media Programme Office.