Exergames vs. traditional exercise: investigating the influencing mechanism of platform effect on subthreshold depression among older adults.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the influencing mechanism of exercise platform effect on subthreshold depression among older adults by comparing exergames and traditional exercise.

METHOD: One hundred and two Singaporean older adults were assigned to either playing Wii exergames or performing traditional exercise programs once a week, for six weeks.

RESULTS: Results confirmed a direct negative platform effect on subthreshold depression and further supported the mediation role of positive emotions in the platform effect. It implied that exergames led to higher positive emotions than traditional exercise, which further reduced the subthreshold depression among older adults. Self-efficacy was not supported to be a significant mediator in the relations between exercise platform and subthreshold depression.

CONCLUSION: A better understanding of the mechanisms behind the antidepressant effects of exercise platform would not only provide additional insight into a possible causal association, but also inspire the future use of exergames in the treatment of subthreshold depression.