Playing with Nintendo Wii Sports: Impact on Physical Activity, Perceived Health and Cognitive Functioning of a Group of Community-Dwelling Older Adults

ABSTRACT

This study aims to analyze whether participation in a programme using exergames improves the amount of physical activity performance, perceived health and cognitive functioning. The sample was composed of 38 community-dwelling older adults. The intervention group (n = 22) participated in 12 1-hour sessions using the Nintendo Wii Sports. Statistically, significant differences can be observed between intervention and control groups regarding some cognitive variables such as executive functioning and divided attention. The results suggest the need to further study the role of exergames on the health of older adults as a potential work tool to promote physical, and psychological well-being.

KEYWORDS:

• Exergames
• physical activity
• cognitive functioning
• health
• older adults

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank Aspaldiko Foundation and Mungia Seniors Association for their support and Leire Beti and Lourdes Cobian who participated in data collection. The authors also thank the participants for their cooperation.

Conflict of interest

The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.