The Effects of Exergaming on Sensory Reweighting and Mediolateral Stability of Women Aged Over 60: Usability Study

Exergaming serves as a viable intervention for improving postural stability and mitigating fall risks among women aged 60 and older. By utilizing motion-sensing technology, such as Kinect-based platforms, these digital programs facilitate significant improvements in mediolateral postural sway. Over a six-week training period, participants demonstrate enhanced sensory reweighting, specifically increasing their reliance on vestibular inputs. This physiological adaptation is likely driven by the inherent requirements of the games, which necessitate frequent head displacement and consistent gaze stabilization during gameplay.

The efficacy of this training is evident across diverse environmental conditions, with measurable stability gains observed on both firm and foam surfaces. These improvements persist beyond the conclusion of the active training phase, indicating that exergaming provides lasting benefits for balance rehabilitation. The integration of interactive digital interventions into geriatric care offers a promising approach to enhancing physical outcomes and cognitive function, aligning with broader research trends that support the use of virtual reality and interactive gaming for senior health.

While these findings underscore the potential for exergaming to serve as a safe and effective tool for fall prevention, the current evidence base remains subject to certain limitations. The small sample size of the study and the absence of a control group suggest that these results should be interpreted with caution. Future research is required to validate these outcomes across larger, more diverse populations to fully establish the clinical utility of exergaming as a standard component of balance training for older adults.