The Effects of Exergaming on the Depressive Symptoms of People With Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Daphne Sze Ki Cheung, Hau Yi Jodie Tse, Duo Wai-Chi Wong and 9 others
PMID 39861961WHAT IT FOUND
Exergaming was found to lower depressive symptom scores in people with dementia, but the evidence is very uncertain.
Do not treat it as proven.
Key findings
01The pooled analysis of four randomised trials found lower depressive symptom scores after exergaming than control (standardised mean difference 1.46, 95% confidence interval -2.50 to -0.43; p = 0.006).
02The result was uncertain because heterogeneity was high (I² = 91%) and the certainty of evidence was rated very low.
03All included exergames combined motor and cognitive tasks; programmes lasted 8 to 12 weeks, with 15 to 60 minute sessions one to five times weekly.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
Only six studies were included, and the meta-analysis pooled just four randomised trials, so the evidence base is small. The pooled result had high heterogeneity (I² = 91%), and the estimate interval was wide, so the size of the effect is uncertain. The certainty of evidence was rated very low. Risk of bias was a concern because participants usually knew their assignment, some studies had missing outcome data, and assessors were not blinded. Two single-group studies were included in the review but not pooled, so the narrative summary and meta-analysis cover different study designs. Publication bias could not be formally tested because there were too few studies. Exergames combined physical exercise, cognitive tasks and gaming elements, so the review cannot identify which component reduced depressive symptoms.
Declared interests
The authors declare no conflicts of interest. The article is tagged as supported by non-U.S. government research.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that exergaming is an established treatment for depressive symptoms in dementia. The positive pooled result came from only four randomised trials, showed high heterogeneity (I² = 91%), and was rated very low certainty.