Exergaming for improving health in dementia patients

The Effect of an Exergaming Intervention on Physical Activity and Sleep in People With Major Neurocognitive Disorders Living in Long-term Care Facilities: a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Not applicable Interventional Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences · NCT06631742

This study is testing if playing active dance video games three times a week can help improve movement, thinking skills, and mood in older adults with dementia living in care facilities.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment48 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorEastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences Academic / other
Locations1 site (Wetzikon, Canton of Zurich)
Trial IDNCT06631742 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot randomized controlled trial evaluates the effects of a 12-week exergaming intervention on individuals with major neurocognitive disorders living in long-term care facilities. Participants will engage in active dance video games three times a week, aiming to enhance gait speed, cognitive and motor functions, as well as reduce depressive symptoms and improve quality of life. The study will compare the outcomes of those participating in the exergaming program against a control group receiving usual care. The research seeks to explore the potential of non-pharmacological therapies to positively impact the health and well-being of older adults with neurocognitive disorders.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with neurocognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Lewy body dementia, or mixed dementia, with a Mini-Mental-Status-Examination score between 5 and 26.

Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive impairment (MMSE score less than 5) or unstable medical conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could improve physical and cognitive functions, as well as overall quality of life for patients with major neurocognitive disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using non-pharmacological interventions like exergaming to improve health outcomes in older adults, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Neurocognitive disorder based on Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's disease, Lewy body dementia or Mixed dementia according to the criteria of the American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM 5)
* Mini-Mental-Status-Examination (MMSE) Score of ≥5 and ≤26 out of e maximum of 30

Exclusion Criteria:

* MMSE \<5
* Unstable cardiovascular condition or other medical condition that does not allow for safe participation according to the recommendations of the American College of Sports Medicine
* Planned transfer to another facility within the next 3 months
* Acute behavioural problems

Where this trial is running

Wetzikon, Canton of Zurich

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Major Neurocognitive DisorderAlzheimer DiseaseParkinson DiseaseLewy Body DementiaMixed Dementias
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.