Effects of a hybrid intervention combining exergaming and physical therapy among older adults in a long‐term care facility

Aim Physical inactivity can cause physical frailty and sarcopenia. We investigated the effects of a hybrid intervention combining commercial exergaming with physical therapy, and clarified the reasons for physical inactivity among older adults. Methods This was a pilot study of older participants recruited from a long‐term care facility assigned to either an experimental or a control group. The experimental group received a 90‐min hybrid intervention twice a week for 12 weeks, whereas the control group received only assessment. The outcomes included muscle strength, walking speed, endurance, the Timed Up and Go test, the Berg Balance Scale, flow state, and safety. Results We enrolled 17 residents (42.5% of those eligible), with eight in the experimental group. After 12 weeks, the handgrip strength and Timed Up and Go test scores significantly improved in the experimental group. The number of participants with handgrip strength exceeding the cut‐off for sarcopenia, Timed Up and Go test scores exceeding the minimal detectable change, and walking speed exceeding the minimum clinically significant difference were greater in the experimental group than in the control group. Furthermore, no significant adverse events were reported; all participants in the experimental group entered the flow state. Overall, 32.5% of participants reported physical inactivity with common reasons, including laziness (77%), a lack of interest (69%) and the hassle of engagement (46%). Conclusions The hybrid intervention is safe and feasible, and could delay disability in older adults. Approximately one‐third of the participants were physically inactive. Further study is required to reduce physical inactivity. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 147–152.