Video games and relaxation techniques show promise for boosting seniors' mental health
NCT ID NCT06965959
First seen Jul 08, 2026 · Last updated Jul 09, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether playing motion-based video games (like virtual table tennis or bowling) or practicing a relaxation technique called autogenic relaxation can improve psychological well-being and life engagement in older adults living in nursing homes. Participants aged 65 and older were randomly assigned to one of three groups: exergaming, relaxation, or a control group. Both active interventions were done twice a week for eight weeks, and the results suggest they may help improve mood and a sense of purpose.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Exergaming (motion-based digital games) and autogenic relaxation technique
- What this could lead to
- If effective, these simple, non-drug activities could offer a fun and accessible way to boost mood and engagement among older adults in care homes.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study (69 participants) with no blinding, so results may not apply broadly. Benefits might be due to social interaction or attention rather than the specific activities.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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69 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Feb 2024
- Finished
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Aug 2024
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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65 to 95 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 65 years or older * Residing in a nursing home * Able to communicate and follow instructions * Scoring 24 or above on the Standardized Mini Mental Test (SMMT) * Voluntary participation and written informed consent obtained Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed with advanced cognitive impairment (SMMT score \< 24) * Diagnosed with severe psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, severe depression) * Having physical disabilities that prevent participation in the interventions (e.g., immobility, severe visual or auditory loss) * Refusal or inability to provide informed consent
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Institute of Health Sciences
Sivas, Central, 58140, Turkey (Türkiye)
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