Evaluating the Feasibility and Acceptability of Nintendo Switch-Based Exergaming for Enhancing Physical Activity in Children with Down Syndrome: A Pilot Study

Objective: Nintendo Switch-based exergaming is increasingly used in therapeutic settings. This study aimed to determine whether selected Nintendo Switch games are feasible and engaging for children with Down syndrome (DS). Methods: This interventional pilot study included a convenience sample of 11 children diagnosed with DS. it involved a 40-minute exergaming session using a Nintendo Switch console with ten games (two sports and eight Family Trainer) that required weight shifting and stepping tasks based on previous studies. After the session, the validated Video Game Applicability Questionnaire was used to evaluate usability, engagement, and enjoyment of the selected games using a five-point visual Likert scale. Results: Data from 11 children (7 females), aged 10.45 ± 1.75 years, were analyzed. Games such as Timber Trail (M = 4.96, SD = .07), Log Leaper (M = 4.94, SD = .12), Jump Rope (M = 4.92, SD = .12), Sprint Challenge (M = 4.90, SD = .18), and Head on Hurdler (M = 4.90, SD = .18) received consistently high ratings for usability, engagement, and enjoyment, while others such as Mine Cart Adventure (M = 1.16, SD = .40), Mountain Boarder (M = 1.32, SD = .28), Mole Madness (M = 1.77, SD = .97), Golf (M = 1.77, SD = .76), and Soccer (M = 2.19, SD = .44) were rated lower scores across all domains. Conclusion: Several games showed potential for therapeutic exergaming in children with DS, emphasizing the need for further research and long-term trials.