Effects of home-based exergaming on cardio-metabolic and cognitive health in physically inactive individuals

Aims: To examine the effects of a home-based exergame training over 6 weeks on cardio-metabolic and cognitive health, as well as training adherence, in physically inactive individuals.

Materials and methods: Twenty participants were equipped with an exergame system specifically designed for use at home. Each participant performed at least three weekly exercise sessions at ≥80% of their individual maximum heart rate, over 6 weeks. Exercise duration increased biweekly until 75 min of vigorous exercise were performed in Weeks 5 and 6. Maximum oxygen uptake (VO_2max), cardio-metabolic profiling, and neuro-cognitive tests were performed at baseline and study end. Additionally, training adherence was assessed via training diaries.

Results: After 6 weeks of home-based exergaming, VO_2max increased significantly, while there was a significant decrease in heart rate (resting and maximum), blood pressure (systolic, diastolic and mean), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Dynamic balance and reaction time improved after 6 weeks of exergaming. Training adherence was 88.4%.

Conclusions: Home-based exergaming induced a clinically relevant increase in VO_2max, a determinant of cardiovascular health, accompanied by further improvements in cardiovascular, metabolic and neuro-cognitive parameters. Exergaming may, therefore, offer an innovative approach to increasing regular physical activity, improving metabolic risk profile, and preventing chronic diseases.