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

August 5, 2026 - 11:26

A new meta-analysis led by researchers at the University of Manchester, with help from teams in Australia, Switzerland, Sweden, and Ireland, suggests that active video games could play a meaningful role in preventing falls among older adults. The findings pull together data from dozens of studies, offering a clearer picture of how these interactive games affect balance, mobility, and overall fall risk.

The analysis looked at trials where seniors used motion-controlled gaming systems, often on consoles that track body movement. These games require players to shift weight, step side to side, and reach in different directions, which mimics everyday movements that can become risky with age. The researchers found that regular sessions of these games led to measurable improvements in balance and gait, two key factors in fall prevention.

What stands out is that the benefits were not just short-term. Several studies included follow-up periods, and the improvements seemed to hold for weeks after the training ended. The authors note that active video games offer a more engaging alternative to traditional exercise, which many older adults find repetitive or boring. That engagement could be the key to sticking with a routine long enough to see real gains.

Still, the team is careful not to oversell the results. They point out that the quality of the studies varied, and not all games are equally effective. Games that require quick weight shifts and dynamic balance appear to work better than those with slower, simpler movements. They also stress that these games should complement, not replace, other fall prevention strategies like strength training and home safety checks.

The researchers hope their work will encourage more tailored programs, where seniors can pick games that target their specific weaknesses. With falls being a leading cause of injury in older populations, finding a fun and accessible way to reduce that risk could have a significant public health impact. The next step, they say, is larger trials that track actual fall rates over longer periods, not just lab-based balance tests.