Effectiveness of computer game-based rehabilitation protocol on the health-related quality of life and glycosylated hemoglobin in elderly diabetics

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the greatest challenges in healthcare today and is evolving into a pandemic, due to significant comorbidity and mortality. Physical activity (PA) plays a crucial role for older adults by preventing or delaying functional and psychological decline from aging and comorbidities like diabetes, while also positively impacting their health-related quality of life (HR-QOL). Exergaming serves as an emerging form of exercise that combines technology, games, and leisure. Hence, this study determines the impact of computer game-based rehabilitation protocol (CGRP) on HR-QOL and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) values in elderly diabetics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-blinded randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted on 82 participants allocated into two groups (41each). Group A (control) received a conventional physiotherapy program, while Group B (experimental) underwent CGRP. Outcome measures, including HbA1c levels and HR-QOL, were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks of rehabilitation. Within-group changes in HbA1c and World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF) domain scores were evaluated using paired t-tests, while between-group differences were analyzed with independent t -tests. A P -value less than or equal to 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Significant reduction in HbA1c levels was observed in the experimental group ( P < 0.00001) after the intervention, and a notable shift from poor to good diabetes control status was observed. Additionally, the QOL scores improved significantly in the experimental group ( P < 0.00001). CONCLUSION: The current study demonstrated that CGRP is an effective intervention for improving glycemic control and HR-QOL in elderly individuals with T2DM. The dual-task nature of CGRP, which combines PA with cognitive engagement through interactive games, appears to offer a unique advantage over conventional interventions.