Cycling with film increases duration of physical activity

The study

People with dementia often experience several barriers when performing physical activity. A decrease in interest is an example of this. Exergaming can contribute to overcome these barriers. Van Santen et al. (2019) investigated the effect of interactive cycling (exergaming) on functioning and well-being of people with dementia. Additionally, they looked at the indirect effect of exergaming on the informal caregivers of people with dementia. 112 people with dementia and their informal caregivers from 20 Dutch day-care centers participated in this study. The participating day-care centers were divided into two groups; day-care centers that offer exergames and day-care centers that do not offer exergames. People with dementia who go to day-care centers that offer exergames were stimulated to participate at least twice a week. People with dementia who go to day-care centers that do not offer exergames could participate in regular activities. 

Results of the study

  • Positive effects were found of exergaming on memory and social behavior of people with dementia. 
  • Participants who visited the day-care centers that offer exergames were on average more physically active compared to participants who visited the day-care centers that do not offer exergames.
  • Exergaming had a positive effect on feelings of competence of the informal caregivers. 
  • Exergaming was highly appreciated by participants, family members and staff of day-care centers.   
  • Exergaming can be offered safely and adds to the selection of exercise activities. 

Interested? 

The SilverFit Mile is an example of interactive cycling. Through tour movies, the SilverFit Mile simulates the experience of outdoor cycling. Regular therapy turns into a unique cycling experience. Would you like to see the SilverFit Mile at work? We gladly demonstrate our products at your location, without any obligation.  

Source

Van Santen, J., Dröes, R.M., Bosmans, J.E., Blanson Henkemans, O.A., Van Bommel, S., Hakvoort, E., . . . Meiland, F (2019). The (cost-) effectiveness of exergaming in people living with dementia and their informal caregivers: protocol for a randomized controlled trial. BMC Geriatrics, 19, 1-19.