A randomised controlled pilot study of a Nintendo Ring Fit Adventure™ balance and strengthening exercise program in community‐dwelling older adults with a history of falls

AbstractObjectivesThis pilot study examined the feasibility, acceptability, and effects of a Nintendo Ring Fit Adventure™‐based balance and muscle strengthening exercise program in community‐dwelling older adults with a history of falls.MethodsOlder adults who have had at least one fall in the past year were randomly assigned to an experimental (n = 21) or control group (n = 21). The experimental group performed 16 exercise sessions in total, lasting 60 min each, twice a week for 8 weeks, whereas the control group received usual care. Feasibility was evaluated based on the scores of participants in the exercises. Acceptance was evaluated using a customised questionnaire examining participants' self‐perceived enjoyment, feasibility and improvements. Clinical outcomes including balance (Mini‐BESTest), lower limb muscle strength (Five‐Time Sit‐to‐Stand test), mobility (Timed‐Up and Go test), dual‐task ability (Timed‐Up and Go test—Dual Task), fear of falling (Icon‐FES) and executive function (Color Trails Test) were evaluated at baseline and 8 weeks.ResultsThirty‐one participants (74%) finished the 8‐week assessment. The experimental group significantly improved their scores in six out of eight exercises (all p < .031). The mean scores of the self‐perceived enjoyment, feasibility and improvement domains of the acceptability questionnaire were 3.46 ± .53, 3.08 ± .59, and 3.47 ± .57 respectively. A significant improvement in the anticipatory subscore of the Mini‐BESTest was found in the experimental group compared to the control group (p = .02; Partial eta squared = .14).ConclusionsThe Nintendo Ring Fit Adventure™‐based exercise program was feasible, acceptable, and potentially effective in community‐dwelling older adults with a history of falls.