Feasibility and effects of a multicomponent program incorporating esports on physical and cognitive function among older adults: A non-randomised pilot trial

by Yuta Nemoto, Fumie Otsuka, Shihoko Suzuki, Saori Kataoka, Tomoko Nakanishi, Takuya Ueda, Susumu Ogawa, Sumika Karasawa, Mikiko Shimaoka, Hiroto Narimatsu, Ung-il Chung

Esports (competitive and organised video gaming) may enhance physical and cognitive health in older adults. The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility and effects of a multicomponent program incorporating esports on physical and cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults.

This parallel, non-randomised controlled trial was conducted in Yokosuka, Kanagawa, Japan. Twenty-six participants who 1) were aged 60 years or older, 2) had no cognitive impairment, 3) had no major health problems, and 4) had no prior experience with digital games were allocated to either the intervention (n = 12) or the control (n = 14) group. Participants in the intervention group attended weekly 90-minute sessions consisting of health education, exercise, and esports for 12 weeks. The feasibility of the program was assessed based on adverse events, participant retention, adherence to the program, engagement in digital games outside the program, enjoyment of the program, and willingness to continue playing esports after the study period. Additionally, psychological status, physical and cognitive function, and body composition were assessed.

No adverse events were reported; 10 of the 12 participants attended ≥80% of the sessions, all participants reported enjoying the program, and no participants dropped out during follow-up. Positive psychological status scores increased from before to after each session among participants in the intervention group. Furthermore, adjusted analyses showed more favourable changes in gait speed and balance in the intervention group than in the control group (p < 0.05). However, the effects on physical function remain uncertain because the analyses were exploratory.

The program showed potential for high retention and adherence among older adults, with no adverse events. Larger-scale trials are needed to confirm the effectiveness of this intervention program, as the analyses in this study were exploratory.

The study protocol was registered with the UMIN-CTR (ID: UMIN000055350; date of first registration: 27 August 2024).