Wii Exercise is the Best For Over-50s

[Maura]

According to a report on AOL today, over-50s who are thinking of joining a gym in order to get fit would actually do better by using a Wii Balance Board or similar exercise game in their own home. The new study, which was conducted by researchers at Union College in the US and published in The American Journal of Preventative Medicine, found that participants were seen to have more “cognitive benefits” after using an exercise game in their own home in comparison to an ordinary workout at the gym. Some of the 101 participants in the study played on an exercise game where they had to compete with a ghost rider, which was actually an animated version of their previous fastest times, while others took part in a 3D ride.

“Navigating a 3D landscape, anticipating turns, and competing with others require additional focus, expanded divided attention, and enhanced decision making. These activities depend in part on executive function, which was significantly affected,” said Dr Anderson-Hanley, lead researcher for the study. “The implication of our study is that older adults who choose exergaming with interactive physical and cognitive exercise over traditional exercise may garner added cognitive benefit, and perhaps prevent decline, all for the same exercise effort.”

Source: http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/01/17/why-a-wii-workout-could-be-better-than-the-gym-for-over-50s/

 

[Splash_King]

"Exergames" actually have merit in comparison to a real gym? ... lolwut

Can't say I'm surprised the benefit in question isn't in relation to physical fitness. Interesting none the less.