SnacktivityTM, Giant Games and Immersive Virtual Reality Exercises: A Rapid Narrative Review of These New Physical Activity Practices among Older People Living in Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care Facilities

In developed countries, the increasing number of older adults raises many public health challenges. Physical activity can enable healthy aging, as it is beneficial for both mental and physical health. Despite this, not all older adults engage in physical activity or have access to it. To counteract this, new physical practices such as SnacktivityTM, giant games and immersive virtual reality exercises are being developed. The main objective of this rapid narrative review is to summarize the effects of SnacktivityTM, giant games and immersive Virtual Reality (VR) exercise among older adults living in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. A scientific review was performed using the search engines PubMed, PsycInfo and Web of Science on 7 July 2022. Fifty-nine items are identified in total, and five items are included in the literature review. Synthesis of the studies shows that immersive virtual reality and giant games improve the motivation and enjoyment of older adults and are beneficial for their functional abilities. Furthermore, no interventional studies have tested the effect of SnacktivityTM in older adults. This review suggests that future studies should be conducted to further explore the effects of these new physical activity practices in older adults living in nursing homes or long-term care facilities.

Physician counseling and longer term physical activity

While physician counseling has been suggested as a strategy to promote physical activity, there is insufficient evidence to support its effectiveness at present. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of brief physician counseling (modified PACE protocol) and telephone follow-ups on changes in the energy expenditure levels of patients over a 20-month period. Forty-five participants completed physical activity questionnaires at both baseline and 20 months. Following brief physician counseling (modified PACE protocol), patients were randomized into a counseling-only group or an enhanced counseling group that included 3 telephone follow-ups. Energy expenditure significantly increased from baseline (1.5 kcal/kg/d [KKD]) to 20 months (2.2 KKD, P < .05) in both groups. Neither the group nor group-by-time interaction was significant (P > .05). In line with the counseling provided by physicians, participants showed an increase in moderate intensity activities and a decrease in light intensity activities (Ps < .001). These findings provide support for the effectiveness of brief physician counseling. However, the additional telephone support did not appear to enhance the physician counseling.