Efficacy of Serious Exergames in Improving Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Neurocognitive Disorders: Results of the X-TORP Cluster Randomized Trial

Overview

Journal Alzheimers Dement (N Y)

Date 2021 May 20

PMID 34013018

Citations 13

Authors

Philippe Robert

Claire Albrengues

Roxane Fabre

Alexandre Derreumaux

Marie Pierre Pancrazi

Isabelle Luporsi

Bruno Dubois

Stephane Epelbaum

Gregoire Mercier

Pierre Foulon

Francois Bremond

Valeria Manera

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a serious exergame in improving the neuropsychiatric symptoms of patients with neurocognitive disorders.

Methods: X-Torp is a serious exergame combining motor and cognitive activities. Ninety-one subjects (mean age = 81.7 years, mean Mini-Mental State Examination = 18.3) were recruited in 16 centers. Centers were randomized into intervention and control centers. Subjects underwent assessment for cognitive and behavioral symptoms at baseline (BL), the end of the intervention (W12), and 12 weeks after the end of the intervention (W24).

Results: The comparison of neuropsychiatric symptoms between BL and W12 and W24 showed that subjects of the intervention group improved in apathy between BL and W12. Mixed analysis (time BL, W12, W24 x group) indicated a significant increase in apathy and neuropsychiatric symptoms in the control subjects.

Discussion: The use of X-Torp improved neuropsychiatric symptoms, particularly apathy. Future studies should more consistently use behavioral and neuropsychiatric symptoms as outcome measures.

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