Physical activity generates a decrease in risk of fall and increase functional autonomy of institutionalized older adults (Inserm, 2008). Recent literature reviews demonstrate that some exergames (Wii Sports, Dance Dance Revolution…) have benefic physiological effects [1Miller K.J., Adair B.S., Pearce A.J., Said C.M., Ozanne E., Morris M.M. Effectiveness and feasibility of virtual reality and gaming system use at home by older adults for enabling physical activity to improve health-related domains: a systematic review Age Ageing 2014 ;  432 : 188-195

Cliquez ici pour aller à la section Références, 2Schoene D., Valenzuela T., Lord S.R., de Bruin E.D. The effect of interactive cognitive-motor training in reducing fall risk in older people: a systematic review BMC Geriatr 2014 ;  14 : 107 [cross-ref]

Cliquez ici pour aller à la section Références]. However, these games lead to moderate improvements since they were not specifically developed for rehabilitation purpose. This study explores the effects of a rehabilitation program based on a serious game, developed in collaboration with clinicians, with insight on the functional autonomy of nursing home residents.

We test the serious game Medimoov, developed by the company NaturalPad. 12 institutionnalized older adults (age: 87.8±7.6; mass: 60.6±16.7; height: 158.8±7.2) were included. A randomization was done: one group took part in a 2 months rehabilitation program based on the use of Medimoov (3 sessions per week); the other is a control group with no training. Functional autonomy was quantified pre- and post-rehabilitation by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB).

8 older adults (4 per group) were assessed pre and post the 2-month period. The comparison of each group performance between pre- and post-assessment were realized using a non-parametric Mann & Whitney test. The results show a significant increase of SPPB score in the rehabilitation group (P<0.04).

Despite the few number of subjects, a significant increase of SPPB is induce by a 2 months rehabilitation program with Medimoov. This result will be confirm in a larger population.