Effects of exergaming on balance and functional performance in older adults with chronic conditions living in the community: a systematic review and meta-analysis
In brief
Exergaming adds 2.9 Berg balance points in older adults with chronic disease
Across 11 randomized trials, exergaming improved Berg Balance Scale scores by an average of 2.9 points and dynamic gait scores by 0.7 points compared with control interventions. Benefits were greater with supervised programs lasting at least 8 weeks, but the trials do not establish whether these changes prevent falls or last over time.
- Journal
- Frontiers in public health (Q1)
- Published
- 7 September 2026
- Study design
- Systematic review / meta-analysis of RCTs
- Evidence level
- Level 1, High (CEBM 1a)
- Authors
- Beihai Ge, Jinsong Luo, Xiaofeng Cheng, Deng Wang, Renming Liu, Xianhui Liao
- PMID
- 42769539
- DOI
- 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1918722
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Internal Medicine (top studies of the week, 27 September 2026): Exergaming meta‑analysis, older adults chronic disease
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Older adults with chronic diseases often experience impaired balance and functional performance, increasing their risk of falls and disability. Exergaming has emerged as a promising intervention; however, its effectiveness in community-dwelling older adults with chronic conditions remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review and meta-analyze the effects of exergaming on balance and functional performance in community-dwelling older adults with chronic diseases. METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and CINAHL were searched from inception to April 10, 2026. Randomized controlled trials involving exergaming interventions in adults aged ≥60 years with chronic conditions were included. Primary outcomes were balance and functional mobility. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. Pooled effects were calculated using mean differences (MDs) or standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) according to outcome measurement scales. RESULTS: Eleven randomized controlled trials were included. Compared with control interventions, exergaming significantly improved balance measured by the Berg Balance Scale (MD = 2.93, 95% CI 0.44-5.41, p = 0.021) and dynamic gait ability measured by the Dynamic Gait Index (MD = 0.72, 95% CI 0.09-1.35, p = 0.025). Subgroup analyses indicated greater benefits for interventions lasting at least 8 weeks and those involving supervised training. Heterogeneity was low to moderate. CONCLUSION: Exergaming may be a promising adjunctive approach for improving balance and functional performance in community-dwelling older adults with chronic diseases. Further high-quality trials with larger sample sizes and long-term follow-up are needed. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration number: CRD420261368359.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.