Effects of an interactive video game (Nintendo WiiTM) on older women with mild cognitive impairment
Year of Publication 2010
Abstract
Older adults with a cognitive impairment in residential care settings are often found to be inactive throughout the day. Participation in video games holds promise for these individuals; however, effects of video games played by older adults have not been studied consistently and the few studies conducted have yielded mixed results. The purpose of this study was to examine effects of an interactive video game (Nintendo Wii™ bowling) on attention to task and positive affect of older adult women with mild cognitive impairment. A single-subject, multiple baseline design comparing a television viewing phase and an interactive video game phase was conducted using observational measures. Results indicated that both participants attended to task more and demonstrated higher levels of positive affect while engaged in the interactive video game as compared to baseline. The low-impact activity of the Nintendo Wii™ bowling program may provide the appropriate amount of physical and mental challenge and stimulation for older adults with mild cognitive impairments. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved). (journal abstract)