The effect of active video games on cognitive functioning in clinical and non-clinical populations: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Open access
Date
2017-07Type
- Review Article
Citations
Cited 147 times in
Web of Science
Cited 162 times in
Scopus
ETH Bibliography
yes
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Abstract
Physically-active video games (‘exergames’) have recently gained popularity for leisure and entertainment purposes. Using exergames to combine physical activity and cognitively-demanding tasks may offer a novel strategy to improve cognitive functioning. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to establish effects of exergames on overall cognition and specific cognitive domains in clinical and non-clinical populations. We identified 17 eligible RCTs with cognitive outcome data for 926 participants. Random-effects meta-analyses found exergames significantly improved global cognition (g = 0.436, 95% CI = 0.18–0.69, p = 0.001). Significant effects still existed when excluding waitlist-only controlled studies, and when comparing to physical activity interventions. Furthermore, benefits of exergames where observed for both healthy older adults and clinical populations with conditions associated with neurocognitive impairments (all p < 0.05). Domain-specific analyses found exergames improved executive functions, attentional processing and visuospatial skills. The findings present the first meta-analytic evidence for effects of exergames on cognition. Future research must establish which patient/treatment factors influence efficacy of exergames, and explore neurobiological mechanisms of action. Show more
Permanent link
https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-b-000130681Publication status
publishedExternal links
Journal / series
Neuroscience & Biobehavioral ReviewsVolume
Pages / Article No.
Publisher
ElsevierSubject
Physical activity; Exercise; Cognitive impairment; Alzheimer’s; Parkinson’s disease; DementiaOrganisational unit
08758 - Trainingslehre / E. de Bruin
09560 - De Bock, Katrien / De Bock, Katrien
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Show all metadata
Citations
Cited 147 times in
Web of Science
Cited 162 times in
Scopus
ETH Bibliography
yes
Altmetrics