Can active video games prevent falls in older adults? New meta-analysis offers key insights

(Toronto, August 4, 2026) Researchers from the University of Manchester, alongside international collaborators from Neuroscience Research Australia, ETH Zurich, Karolinska Institutet, and Atlantic Technological University, have conducted a new systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the role of active video games, or "exergames," in fall prevention for older populations. The study, led by Dr. Charlotte Eost-Telling and published in JMIR Aging, synthesizes evidence from nine randomized controlled trials involving 1,385 adults aged 60 and older across various settings, including community homes, long-term care facilities, and geriatric clinics.

The findings demonstrate that exergaming—which combines physical exercise with interactive digital gameplay—can effectively reduce fall rates compared to standard care and other active exercise interventions. Specifically, moderate-certainty evidence showed that older adults who engaged in exergaming were 25% less likely to experience one or more falls at a 12-month follow-up compared to those receiving usual care (risk ratio 0.75, 95% CI 0.61–0.92). Across all control groups combined, exergames were associated with a 47% overall reduction in fall rates (incidence rate ratio 0.53, 95% CI 0.41–0.68).

While traditional balance and strength exercises are proven to prevent falls, long-term adherence to home or community exercise programs remains a widespread challenge among older adults. Exergames utilize motion-sensing platforms, pressure-sensitive step mats, and virtual reality environments to incorporate gamified elements like real-time feedback and achievements, making physical activity more engaging. Despite these encouraging results, the study authors emphasize that exergaming should currently serve as an adjunct to established fall prevention strategies rather than a direct replacement. Given trial heterogeneity and limited data on cost-effectiveness and injurious falls, the authors recommend larger, standardized trials before routine clinical adoption can be fully established.

Original article: 

Eost-Telling C, McGarrigle L, Shi C, Money A, Yang Y, Lazo Green K, Ahmed S, Christie R, Aminu A, Delbaere K, de Bruin E, Stanmore E, Todd C. Exergaming Interventions for Preventing Falls and Injurious Falls in Older People: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. JMIR Aging 2026;9:e89807

URL: https://aging.jmir.org/2026/1/e89807

DOI: 10.2196/89807

About JMIR Aging

Part of the JMIR family of journals JMIR Aging is a premier peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on digital health, medical internet applications, and innovative technologies for aging populations.

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