Effect of video-based exergaming on arm and cognitive function in persons with multiple sclerosis: A randomized controlled trial

Background: Developments in rehabilitation technology such as video-based exergaming contributes to the treatment process as well as to increase the active participation of persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). The aim was to investigate the effect of video-based exergaming training on upper extremity and cognitive function as well as core stability, walking, depression, fatigue, and quality of life in pwMS. Methods: This randomized controlled trial included 60 pwMS who were randomly divided into three groups; video-based exergaming (n = 21), conventional rehabilitation (n = 19), and control groups (n = 20). The experimental groups received therapy sessions once a week for 8 weeks. All the participants were assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks. The outcome measures included upper extremity and cognitive functions as well as core stability, walking, depression, fatigue, and quality of life measures. Results: Significant improvements were observed in the primary outcome, measured by Nine-Hole Peg Test in the video-based exergaming [before = 25.8 (11.1) s; after = 22.3 (11.0) s] and conventional rehabilitation [before = 23.3 (8.1) s; after = 19.9 (3.8) s] groups (p < 0.05). Cognitive functions (with the exception of processing speed in the conventional rehabilitation group), most of the lower extremity functions, balance-related measures, fatigue and quality of life levels were significantly improved in the video-based exergaming and conventional rehabilitation groups, however, only the depression level was significantly decreased in the video-based exergaming (p < 0.05). Several significant differences were observed in the changes of the control group compared to the video-based exergaming and conventional rehabilitation groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study suggests that video-based exergaming is almost as effective as conventional rehabilitation regarding improving walking, upper and lower extremity functions, cognitive functions, fatigue, depression, and health-related quality of life in pwMS.