Eureka! Institutional Repository

During the late 1990’s, the use of interactive exergames, as a complementary tool in rehabilitation, was at the center of interest. In the last few years, more and more researches have been published, focusing on this subject. Virtual reality makes it possible to practice activities within different, safe and challenging environments, thereby favoring motor learning and neural plasticity. The use of interactive games could improve motor learning with the combination of physical and cognitive requirements, in an attractive and interactive way, by motivating the players not to focus their attention on these movements per se , but to the results of their movements within the game. However, each game type has its own positive effects. For instance, dance simulation games, increase heart rate to adequate levels to meet cardiovascular fitness improvement according to American College of Sports Medicine guidelines. Additionally, Wii tennis and boxing have been reported to elicit MET values that suggest moderate intensity physical activity. It must be noticed, that not all participants obey to the instructions of the compatible rehabilitation exercises. Thus, exergame participation alongside with aerobic training has also been shown to improve exercise compliance. Of course, the usefulness of these games in a routine exercise depends highly on individual demands and needs. In any case, the shove in the quality of life and the entertainment they offer to patients of any age, are elements that every therapy program should have. To sum up, the field of active video games is considered to be an alternate choice of compatible exercises during therapy and an effective strategy in treating numerous health problems.