The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness · Sep 1, 2015
Investigating innovative means of prompting activity uptake in older adults with type 2 diabetes: a feasibility study of exergaming
By Senior H, Henwood T, DE Souza D et al.
BACKGROUND: Physical activity is effective in improving glycemic control in diabetes mellitus. Yet only 40% of people meet the recommended level of physical activity. Nintendo Wii tennis has an energy expenditure of moderate intensity, and may be a viable part of a physical activity programme. METHODS: Eleven older people with diabetes who were sedentary participated in a pre-post-test designed study to examine physical activity levels, muscle strength, and physical performance after 4 weeks of group Nintendo Wii training. RESULTS: Significant effects occurred on moderate physical activity time, total physical activity, dominant handgrip strength, non-dominant handgrip strength, 30 second chair stand and 400m walk test. No effect was observed for BMI, quality of life, or balance. CONCLUSIONS: This study provided preliminary evidence of the effectiveness of group-based active video game programme on physical activity levels.