Which One Works Better? Testing Outcomes of Using a Somatosensory Game Intervention and a Chair-Based Exercise Program on Elderly

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to understand the outcomes of using a somatosensory game intervention and a chair-based exercise program on elderly. Forty older adults aged more then 65 were recruited from Yung Shin nursing home and divided into two groups, a somatosensory video game and chair-based exercise group. All participants were required to complete 30-minute somatosensory video game or 30-minute sedentary activity interventions three times a week of 8 weeks. Pre- and post-tests were administrated before and after the interventions and utilized to assess the benefits and outcomes. Soda Pop test for eye hand coordination and grasping ruler test are two measurement tools were used to measure their reaction time. The results identified that the "Fruit Ninja" game intervention did not successfully created positive impacts on their reaction through a 30-mintue sessions three times a week for 8 weeks. However, 8-week chair-based exercise program did have significant impact on their reaction time. In terms of eye hand coordination, both somatosensory game and chair-based exercise programs were effective to enhance their performance.