Efficacy of Nintendo Switch rehabilitation program for older adults: a quasi-experimental study

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of Nintendo Switch videogames in promoting the rehabilitation of institutionalized older adults. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study with a control group followed Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines to ensure methodological quality. The study included 27 institutionalized older adults aged 60 or over at risk of falling, with a Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) score of 19–28 points. The sample was divided into two groups: an intervention group with 14 participants and a control group with 13. An 8-week rehabilitation program was implemented, consisting of two weekly 60-minute sessions using Nintendo Switch Sport games. Each session included warming up and stretching. The instruments used were the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), POMA, Katz Index, Geriatric Depression Scale 15, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Results: The sample was made up of 18.5% men and 81.5% women. Significant improvements in dynamic and static balance (POMA, P < 0.001), cognitive status (MoCA, P < 0.01), and independence (Katz, P < 0.05) were observed in the experimental group. Statistically significant differences were found between groups for MoCA (P < 0.05) and STAI (P < 0.05) at baseline and for Katz (P < 0.01) and STAI (P < 0.05) after the intervention. Conclusion: The Nintendo Switch has proven effective in rehabilitating older adults and promoting active and healthy aging. Implementing exergames can improve balance, independence, and cognitive ability in older adult residents of nursing homes. Supervision by health care professionals is crucial to ensure safety and maximize therapeutic benefits.