Video Games May Help Combat Depression

Research at the Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine suggests a novel route to improving the symptoms of subsyndromal depression (SSD) in seniors through the regular use of "exergames" -- entertaining video games that combine game play with exercise. In a pilot study, the researchers found that use of exergames significantly improved mood and mental health-related quality of life in older adults with SSD. Using the Wii remote -- a wireless device with motion-sensing capabilities -- the seniors used their arm and body movements to simulate actions engaged in playing the actual sports. The participants reported high satisfaction and rated the exergames on various attributes including enjoyment, mental effort, and physical limitations.