Exercising the Brain: Monitoring Cognitive Load in Older Adults Playing Exergames
As populations age worldwide, researchers are increasingly interested in finding ways to keep both body and mind active. One promising approach is the use of exergames—video games that combine interactive movement with cognitive challenges. A recent study titled “Monitoring cognitive load while playing exergames in a four-week intervention for older adults: an explorative EEG study” explored how such games affect the brain, using EEG technology to track changes in cognitive load.
Why Exergames for Older Adults?
Traditional exercise programs can sometimes be difficult to sustain, but exergames add an engaging, playful layer. For older adults, they offer dual benefits:
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Physical activity through movement-based gameplay.
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Cognitive stimulation via tasks that require attention, coordination, and strategy.
This combination makes exergames a promising tool for promoting healthy aging.
The Role of Cognitive Load
Cognitive load refers to the amount of mental effort required to perform a task. While some cognitive load is beneficial—challenging the brain helps it stay sharp—too much can be overwhelming, especially for older players. Finding the right balance is key.
The Study in Action
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Participants: Older adults engaged in a four-week exergame program.
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Measurement: Researchers used EEG (electroencephalography) to monitor brain activity while participants played, focusing on neural markers associated with cognitive load.
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Goal: To explore how the brain responds to exergame play over time and whether participants adapt to the challenges.
What Did They Find?
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Adaptive Engagement: EEG data suggested that participants’ cognitive load shifted across sessions, indicating that the brain was actively adapting to repeated gameplay.
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Sustained Interest: Most participants remained engaged throughout the four weeks, pointing to the motivational advantage of exergames over traditional training.
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Feasibility: Using EEG with older adults in this context proved to be practical, opening new doors for monitoring how games influence brain health.
Why It Matters
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Healthy Aging: Exergames may support both physical fitness and cognitive resilience.
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Personalization: By monitoring cognitive load, future programs could tailor difficulty levels to ensure players are challenged but not overloaded.
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Research Potential: The study demonstrates how EEG can enrich our understanding of how interactive technology impacts the aging brain.
Takeaway
Exergames aren’t just fun—they may be a valuable tool for supporting active, healthy aging. By using EEG to monitor cognitive load, researchers are gaining deeper insight into how these playful interventions can strengthen both mind and body in older adults.
Article: Muller, Buchel, Skjaeret-Maroni, Verijken & Baumeister. Monitoring cognitive load while playing exergames in a four-week intervention for older adults: an explorative EEG study. 2025. Scientific Reports. September 12, 2025, Scientific Reports 15, Article number: 32490.
This article was created with AI assistance and was reviewed and edited by our team to ensure accuracy and value for our readers.
