Do Active Video Games Improve Motor Function in People With Developmental Disabilities? A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Publication date: Available online 30 November 2018

Source: Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Author(s): Darren R. Hocking, Hassan Farhat, Rebeca Gavrila, Karen Caeyenberghs, Nora Shields

Abstract

Objective

To conduct a meta-analysis to examine the effectiveness of active video games (AVGs) interventions on motor function in people with developmental disabilities.

Data Sources

An electronic search of 7 databases (PubMed, EbscoHost, Informit, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Proquest, PsychInfo) was conducted for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating AVGs to improve motor function in people with developmental disability, published through to May 2018.

Study Selection

Only articles in a peer-reviewed journal in English were selected and screened by 2 independent reviewers for RCTs that compared AVGs to conventional therapy. Twelve RCTs involving 370 people with developmental disabilities met the inclusion criteria for quantitative analysis.

Data Extraction

Two independent reviewers assessed risk of bias and study quality using the Egger's R, grading of recommendation, assessment, development and evaluation, and Template for Intervention Description and Replication checklists.

Data Synthesis

Three meta-analyses revealed a large effect size for AVGs to improve gross motor skills (Hedges' g=0.833, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]=0.247-1.420), small to medium effects for balance (g=0.458, 95% CI=0.023-0.948), and a small, nonsignificant effect for functional mobility (g=0.425, 95% CI= −0.03 to 0.881). Training frequency (ie, number of sessions per week) moderated the effect of AVGs on motor function in people with developmental disabilities.

Conclusion

We conclude that AVGs show task-specific effectiveness for gross motor skills but the effects are moderated by training intensity. However, because of the low number of trials, diverse diagnoses, variable dosage, and multiple outcome measures of the included trials, these results need to be interpreted with caution.

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