Effects of an Exergaming program on cardiometabolic and functional outcomes s in patients at cardiovascular risk

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v83.119667

Keywords:

Exercise, Cardiovascular diseases, Exergaming, Rehabilitation, Video games

Abstract

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, which has promoted the development of innovative physical exercise strategies aimed at cardiometabolic prevention and rehabilitation. In this context, exergaming has emerged as a technological alternative with therapeutic and motivational potential.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of an exergaming program using Nintendo Switch Ring Fit Adventure on cardiometabolic and functional outcomes in adults at cardiovascular risk.

Methodology: A quasiexperimental study was conducted with 16 Patients at cardiovascular risk. The intervention lasted 16 weeks and included physical activity sessions based on exergaming. Hemodynamic outcomes, body composition, and physical fitness were assessed before and after the intervention. Statistical analysis was performed using robust bootstrap models, paired comparisons with false discovery rate correction, and principal component analysis.

Results: Significant improvements were observed in handgrip strength and in the 30 second sit-to-stand test, in addition to clinically favorable reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Changes in body composition were less consistent and exhibited greater interindividual variability. Multivariate analysis revealed adaptation patterns associated with anthropometric, metabolic, and functional outcomes.

Discussion: The findings are consistent with previous studies reporting benefits of physical exercise and exergaming on functional capacity and hemodynamic control.

Conclusions: The program produced relevant functional improvements and a possible favorable reduction in blood pressure in patients at cardiovascular risk, supporting its potential as a complementary strategy for cardiometabolic prevention and rehabilitation.

Author Biographies

  • Nohora Bohórquez Martínez, Corporación Universitaria Iberoamericana

    Physical Therapist, Critical Care Specialist. Master of Education. Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Epidemiology and Public Health. Additional training in: clinical simulation, tele-simulation, debriefing, and telehealth.

    I have been affiliated as a faculty member in the Physical Therapy Program at the Corporación Universitaria Iberoamericana for over 15 years, teaching theoretical and theoretical-practical courses (with an emphasis on the cardiopulmonary and research areas), as well as advising on medium- and high-complexity clinical rotations. I have also supported self-evaluation processes and Qualified Registration for undergraduate (Physical Therapy) and graduate (specialization in critical care, public health, and epidemiology) programs—both new and existing—including the development and defense of conditions for research, innovation, and creation, as well as the preparation of completeness reports for the MEN (Ministry of National Education) in this same area. 

    Academic Director of the Specialization in Critical Care Physical Therapy, Leader of the Public Health Research Group. Research Director of the Physical Therapy Program and a faculty researcher with an international project. Currently leading a national research program applying virtual reality in cardiac rehabilitation. My research focuses on technologies applied to education and rehabilitation, particularly in the cardiopulmonary field (clinical simulation, telesimulation, gamification, AI, and VR). Advisor for undergraduate and graduate research projects. Faculty Representative to the Higher Council. Extensive experience in the clinical-care setting (comprehensive rehabilitation), in Adult and Pediatric Intensive Care Units.

  • Catalina Rosas Pérez, Universidad Santo Tomás

    Student in the Physical Education, Sports, and Recreation program at Santo Tomás University

  • Oscar Durán Vivas, Universidad Santo Tomás

    Student in the Physical Education, Sports, and Recreation program at Santo Tomás University.

  • Andrés Pinzón Vargas, Universidad Santo Tomás

    Student in the Physical Education, Sports, and Recreation program at Santo Tomás University.

  • Edward Ayala Noy, Universidad Santo Tomás

    Bachelor's degree in Physical Education and Sports. Master's degree in Physical Activity for Health. Extensive experience in higher education teaching and research.

  • Darío Mendoza Romero, Universidad Santo Tomás

    He holds a degree in Sports Science, is a specialist in Sports Training and Epidemiology, and has a master’s degree in Epidemiology. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Physical Education and Sports Science. He works as a professor and researcher at Santo Tomás University (Colombia), where he has been affiliated since 2016.

    His research focuses on the areas of epidemiology, physical activity, public health, sports training, physical fitness, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles, integrating quantitative and applied approaches to study the relationship between physical exercise, health, and human performance.

    His recent publications include studies on work-related stress and quality of life among nursing professionals, self-medication in Colombia, strength training, physical fitness profiles, and epidemiological analyses related to physical activity and public health.

  • Yenny Paola Argüello Gutiérrez, Universidad Santo Tomás

    Physical Therapist, Specialist in Occupational Health and Safety Management. Master’s degree in Physiology. Extensive experience in teaching at the higher education level and in research.

  • Luis Alberto Cardozo, Fundación Universitaria del Área Andina

    Education:

    BSc in Physical Education, Sports and Recreation, Graduate Specialist in Sports Training, MSc in Physical Activity and Health, PhD Candidate in Physical Activity and Sport Sciences

     

    Leadership:

    Former President, Ethics and Scientific Integrity Committee (CEICI 2022-2023) - Areandina

    Research Appointments:

    Associate Researcher (Minciencias | Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation of Colombia)

    Peer Reviewer for scientific journals including:

    PLOS ONE, Frontiers in Nutrition, Retos, Cuadernos de Psicología del Deporte, E-Balonmano, Revista Cubana de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Revista Archivos de Medicina (Manizales), Sport (MDPI), Revista Española de Nutrición Humana y Dietética (RENHyD), Medicine (MDPI), Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology (MDPI), Revista Cultura, Ciencia y Deporte (UCAM), Sportis. Scientific Journal of School Sport, Physical Education and Psychomotricity, BMC Research Notes (Springer Nature).

  • Isabel Adriana Sánchez Rojas, Universidad Santo Tomás

    Physical therapist, specialist in Critical Care Physical Therapy, Master’s degree in Education, and Ph.D. in Sports Education and Sports Sciences. She currently serves as a faculty researcher at Santo Tomás University, where she conducts research, teaches, and trains professionals in the fields of health sciences, physical activity, and rehabilitation.

    Her academic career spans physical therapy, education, physical exercise, and public health, with a strong focus on applied research and the development of innovative strategies for health promotion and functional rehabilitation. She has led and participated in projects related to therapeutic exercise, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, exercise physiology, physical conditioning, and functional recovery in various populations.

    Her main lines of research focus on physical activity for health, cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation, physical exercise in patients with chronic diseases, exercise prescription, critical care, health sciences education, and the use of technologies for the assessment and improvement of functional capacity.

    Her research is characterized by the integration of scientific evidence with clinical and educational practice, contributing to the strengthening of programs for health promotion, the prevention of chronic noncommunicable diseases, and the optimization of rehabilitation processes in various healthcare and community settings.

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Published

30-05-2026

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Section

Original Research Article

How to Cite

Bohórquez Martínez, N., Rosas Pérez, C., Durán Vivas, O., Pinzón Vargas, A., Ayala Noy, E., Mendoza Romero, D., Argüello Gutiérrez, Y. P., Cardozo, L. A., & Sánchez Rojas, I. A. (2026). Effects of an Exergaming program on cardiometabolic and functional outcomes s in patients at cardiovascular risk. Retos, 83, 462-475. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v83.119667