Peoria Standard

Over recent years, video games have often been viewed with skepticism by parents concerned about their impact on children. However, new research suggests that certain types of video games, specifically exergaming, may offer benefits for neurological health.

Exergaming involves using physical movements to play games such as virtual bowling, dancing, or golf. This approach combines exercise with gaming and is being explored as a tool for patients with neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

A study published in Nature’s npj Digital Medicine journal reported that exergames can have positive effects on cognitive functions such as memory, focus, planning, and thinking skills. Additionally, a randomized controlled trial by Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy found that exergaming was associated with positive structural changes in the brain. Deepak Nair, MD, vice president of the Neuroscience Service Line at OSF HealthCare, commented on these findings: "What they saw was that patients who are in the intervention arm, using the exergaming component, maintain more brain mass than patients who did not and receive standard of care. So, that's very interesting."

Dr. Nair noted the significance of these results if they are confirmed in larger studies: If validated further, medical providers could potentially use specific exercise algorithms as therapies to modify the course of dementia. He explained that this could help slow down the loss of brain tissue characteristic of progressive diseases like dementia. "That's what everybody is looking for," Dr. Nair said. "It’s telling you that you're slowing down the progression of dementia."

Another study featured in the Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation indicated that neuroanimation-based exergaming is feasible and safe for patients with mild-to-moderate Parkinson's disease and can improve several secondary measures over periods longer than 12 weeks.

Dr. Nair highlighted why exergaming may be effective: The physical activity required is accessible to most people and does not demand athletic prowess. "The level of exercise that we're talking about with exergaming, you don't have to be a champion powerlifter or marathon runner," he said. "We're talking about regular physical stimulation for your cardiovascular system and nervous system. There are huge benefits, even at the low end of that scale."

He also pointed out that both mental engagement and physical movement are targeted through these activities: "You're getting patients to focus on this target, however the platform is set up, by engaging in a fun exercise mentally, as you're doing the physical part of this. You're getting both systems targeted and stimulated," Dr. Nair stated.

Adherence to any exercise program is crucial for long-term benefit—a challenge traditional routines often face due to lack of enjoyment. According to Dr. Nair: "If they're not enjoying themselves, people aren't going to do it. Because most of the benefits are not going to be seen right up front," he said. "The benefit comes from sticking to it long-term. The gaming aspect of this is likely what drives adherence. You make the experience more enjoyable and entertaining so that you're more likely to stick with it.”

For more information about neuroscience services offered by OSF HealthCare visit their website at https://www.osfhealthcare.org/neurosciences/.