The effectiveness of therapeutic exercise using exergaming in the rehabilitation of musculoskeletal pathologies of lower limbs
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Date
2026-11-12
Authors
Κωστάκη, Αγγελική
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Abstract
Background: Lower limb musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders are among the mostcommon causes of functional impairments. Recently, exergaming, an interactiveform of physical activity combining exercise and gaming, has emerged as atherapeutic intervention for MSK rehabilitation.Aim: This study aimed to systematically review randomised controlled trials(RCTs) assessing the effectiveness of exergaming as a therapeutic exerciseintervention on patients with lower limb MSK pathologies.Methods: A systematic review was reported according to PRISMA statement. Aliterature search was conducted in 3 databases (PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus)for RCTs published after 2015. The risk of bias was assessed using Joanna BriggsInstitute (JBI) tool and the methodological quality was assessed using PEDro Scale.Results: Six RCTs were included (total of participants = 354) from the databasesand critically reviewed. The mean PEDro score was 6. Five out of the six studiesreported significant improvement in at least one main outcome (physicalperformance tests and neurocognitive function) after the exergaming intervention(p< o.o5). The combination of exergaming with conventional therapy resulted inthe most benefits.Conclusion: Although results should be interpreted with caution, exergamingpresents a promising complementary intervention to lower limb MSKrehabilitation. Further randomised controlled studies with large sample sizes andhigh quality are needed in the future to investigate also the long-term effects.
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Keywords
Exergaming, Musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders, Lower limbs