Why a Wii workout could be better than the gym for over-50sAlamy

If you're over 50 and thinking about joining a gym to get in shape, you may be better off exercising in the comfort of your own home.

According to a new study, working out using a game like the Wii Fit could have more benefits for your health than other types of exercise.

Researchers from Union College in the US said participants in their research showed more "cognitive benefits" after using an exercise game compared with ordinary workouts.

The study's lead researcher Dr Cay Anderson-Hanley said: "We found that for older adults, virtual-reality enhanced interactive exercise, or 'cybercycling' two to three times per week for three months, yielded greater cognitive benefit, and perhaps added protection against mild cognitive impairment (MCI), than a similar dose of traditional exercise."

The researchers, whose work was published in The American Journal of Preventative Medicine, asked 101 participants, who were between the ages of 58-99, to use an exercise bike at home.

Some of the participants were given an exercise game where they competed against a "ghost rider" (an animation of their previous fastest ride) or went on a 3D ride.

The team found that the 'cybercycle' group had a 23% decrease in advancement of mild cognitive impairment and showed improved 'executive function'.

Dr Anderson-Hanley added: "Navigating a 3D landscape, anticipating turns, and competing with others require additional focus, expanded divided attention, and enhanced decision making. These activities depend in part on executive function, which was significantly affected."

"The implication of our study is that older adults who choose exergaming with interactive physical and cognitive exercise over traditional exercise may garner added cognitive benefit, and perhaps prevent decline, all for the same exercise effort."

Exercise game or the gym - which is better for you? Let us know below...

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Memory-boosting foods

  • Egg
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