Work

Effects of exergaming in postmenopausal women with high cardiovascular risk: A randomized controlled trial

Year: 2019

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: Objective Recently, exergames have been used an exercise modality as aerobic fitness activities. However, evidence of its effectiveness on cardiovascular (CV)‐related risk factors remain unclear. Hypothesis We evaluate the effects of exergaming on CV‐related risk factors compared with traditional aerobic exercise in high CV risk patients. Methods Sixty‐five postmenopausal women with high CV risk were randomized among exergame (n = 22), treadmill (n = 22), and control (n = 21) groups. The exergame group was engaged in the running‐based exergame using Exer Heart and the treadmill group walked or jogged on a treadmill. Cardiorespiratory fitness, flow‐mediated dilation, endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), epicardial fat thickness, metabolic parameters, and anthropometric parameters were measured in patients before and 12 weeks after the training. Results Exergaming significantly improved VO2 peak (P < .001; different from control, P < .05), flow‐mediated dilation (P < .001; different from control, P < .05), EPCs (CD34/CD117+, P < .01). Treadmill exercise was effective at improving VO2 peak (P < .01; different from control, P < .05), flow‐mediated dilation (P < .05), EPCs (CD34/CD117+, P < .01; different from control P < .05). Epicardial fat thickness decreased after both exercise programs (exergame, P < .01; treadmill, P < .01; no different from control). Conclusion Exergaming showed similar effects to traditional aerobic exercise in improving cardiorespiratory fitness and endothelial function in postmenopausal women with high CV risk. These findings suggest that the exergames may serve as an alternative to conventional aerobic exercises for prevention and treatment in high CV risk patients.

Source: Clinical Cardiology

DOI: 10.1002/clc.23324

Authors: Eun‐Ah Jo, Shan‐Shan Wu, Hyung‐Rae Han, Jung‐Jun Park, Saejong Park, Kyoung‐Im Cho

Institutions: Kosin University, Pusan National University, Korea Institute of Sport Science

Language: English

Topic: Cardiovascular and exercise physiology

Subfield: Complementary and alternative medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,250