Effects of using Exergames on rehabilitation of patients with metabolic syndrome

Abstract

Exergames or movement video games have the potential to be used as rehabilitation tools in health sciences. Its use can be justified by usability and the attractiveness of virtual reality in promoting a playful environment for the patient. The objective of the research was to investigate the effects of the game YourShape: Fitness Evolved on physical capacities, hemodynamic variables, quality of life and subjective perception of effort PSE in 15 adult patients older than 18 years with cardiometabolic disorders as examples diabetes mellitus, hypertension, heart failure, hypothyroidism and dyslipidemia. The subjects underwent Exergame training during 12 weeks, 3 times a week and 30-minute per session. Statistically significant differences were found between the first and last training session for the variables glycemic rate, heart rate, waist circumference, PSE and for some aspects of the quality of life questionnaire such as functional capacity, physical aspects, pain, vitality and mental health. These results demonstrate the innovative character of Virtual Reality, especially the EXGs, due to its motivational characteristics, and its potential for the prescription of physical exercise, as well as low cost and usability for use in hospitals.