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The DOI matches its Crossref record; 14 of the 14 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.

The effect of active video games on cognitive functioning in clinical and non-clinical populations: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

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Stanmore, Emma, Stubbs, Brendon, Vancampfort, Davy, de Bruin, Eling D., Firth, Joseph·2017·Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews
DOI 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.04.011
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Abstract

Physically-active video games ('exergames') have recently gained popularity for leisure and entertainment purposes. Using exergames to combine physical activity and cognitively-demanding tasks may offer a novel strategy to improve cognitive functioning. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to establish effects of exergames on overall cognition and specific cognitive domains in clinical and non-clinical populations. We identified 17 eligible RCTs with cognitive outcome data for 926 participants. Random-effects meta-analyses found exergames significantly improved global cognition (g=0.436, 95% CI=0.18-0.69, p=0.001). Significant effects still existed when excluding waitlist-only controlled studies, and when comparing to physical activity interventions. Furthermore, benefits of exergames where observed for both healthy older adults and clinical populations with conditions associated with neurocognitive impairments (all p<0.05). Domain-specific analyses found exergames improved executive functions, attentional processing and visuospatial skills. The findings present the first meta-analytic evidence for effects of exergames on cognition. Future research must establish which patient/treatment factors influence efficacy of exergames, and explore neurobiological mechanisms of action.

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Metadata

Authors
Stanmore, E., Stubbs, B., Vancampfort, D., de Bruin, E. D., & Firth, J.
Venue
Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2017-07
Volume
78
Pages
34-43
ISSN
0149-7634 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.04.011
OpenAlex
W2606029999
Cited by
417
References
14
FWCI
8.12
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
hybrid
Licence
Funders
  • MRC Doctoral Training Grant
  • Research Foundation − Flanders (FWO-Vlaanderen)
  • Stanley Medical Research Institute (13T-006)
  • Innovate UK Grant (R119047)

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CoChat. (2026). Citation check: The effect of active video games on cognitive functioning in clinical and non-clinical populations: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. https://app.cochat.ai/papers/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.04.011
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Stanmore, E., Stubbs, B., Vancampfort, D., de Bruin, E. D., & Firth, J. (2017). The effect of active video games on cognitive functioning in clinical and non-clinical populations: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.04.011

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