The Potential Application of Commercially Available Active Video Games to Cardiac Rehabilitation: Scoping Review

Active video games represent a novel, technology-driven approach to cardiac rehabilitation, yet their clinical utility remains constrained by a lack of robust evidence. While these games are generally safe, feasible, and associated with high patient retention rates, they currently lack the intensity and resistance training required to serve as a standalone therapeutic intervention. Research indicates that while these platforms can successfully promote more active lifestyles among patients with cardiovascular disease, they are most effective when utilized as supplementary tools within supervised clinical environments rather than as unsupervised home-based programs.

The current body of literature is limited, with only a small fraction of screened studies meeting the criteria for rigorous evaluation. Findings suggest that the physical function improvements associated with active video games are inconsistent, often failing to match the clinical outcomes achieved through traditional, structured exercise regimens. Consequently, these games should be approached with caution, particularly when applied to older patient populations who may require more precise monitoring of exercise frequency, duration, and physiological intensity.

Future advancements in this field depend on the development of integrated monitoring technologies capable of tracking muscle contractions and physiological exertion in real time. Such innovations are essential to bridge the gap between casual gaming and clinical-grade rehabilitation. Until further research establishes standardized protocols for intensity and safety, active video games should be viewed as a supportive component of a broader cardiac care strategy rather than a formal replacement for established therapeutic exercise. This assessment, published in March 2022, underscores the necessity for more comprehensive, high-quality studies to determine the long-term efficacy and safety of integrating commercial gaming technology into standard cardiovascular recovery pathways.