SnacktivityTM, Giant Games and Immersive Virtual Reality Exercises: A Rapid Narrative Review of These New Physical Activity Practices among Older People Living in Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care Facilities
Abstract
In developed countries, the increasing number of older adults raises many public health
challenges. Physical activity can enable healthy aging, as it is beneficial for both mental and physical
health. Despite this, not all older adults engage in physical activity or have access to it. To counteract
this, new physical practices such as SnacktivityTM, giant games and immersive virtual reality exercises
are being developed. The main objective of this rapid narrative review is to summarize the effects
of SnacktivityTM, giant games and immersive Virtual Reality (VR) exercise among older adults
living in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. A scientific review was performed using the
search engines PubMed, PsycInfo andWeb of Science on 7 July 2022. Fifty-nine items are identified
in total, and five items are included in the literature review. Synthesis of the studies shows that
immersive virtual reality and giant games improve the motivation and enjoyment of older adults and
are beneficial for their functional abilities. Furthermore, no interventional studies have tested the
effect of SnacktivityTM in older adults. This review suggests that future studies should be conducted
to further explore the effects of these new physical activity practices in older adults living in nursing
homes or long-term care facilities.
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