Usually patients suffering from dementia are advised to conform to regular exercises for a healthy mind and body. Surprisingly, scientists from the Alzheimer’s society have claimed that computerized exercise games may lead to better cognitive benefits in elderly individuals, as compared to traditional exercise regimes.
This New York based study involved almost 63 adults in the age-group 58 to 99, who were inspected for a span of 2 years. The participants were divided into 2 groups, the first set rode a traditional stationary bike, while the second group was exposed to a cybercycle. The latter was integrated with a virtual reality display. Both the groups cycled twice or thrice a week for a period of 3 months.
According to the outcomes, those who indulged in cybercycles apparently manifested enhanced executive functions in terms of problem solving and memory capabilities. This effect did not seem to be prevalent in individuals who rode a traditional bike. Notably, the cybercycle group also appeared to encounter 23% reduction in advancement to mild cognitive impairment.
Professionals from Alzeheimer’s society cited that regular exercises have beneficial effects on the heart as well as the body. Though this study required more evidences to affirm that computerized games could actually have advantages, the team is motivating older people who prefer playing virtual reality games to prolong the practice.
The investigators have urged individuals to avoid smoking and engage in regular exercises along with a nutritious diet. Timely check up of cholesterol levels and blood pressure by the GP is also important, they believed.
The study is published in the January 17 edition of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.