Although 6 RCTs demonstrated a statistically and clinically significant effect of computerized cognitive behavioral therapy games on anxiety levels when compared with no intervention (P=.01), the quality of the evidence reported was low. Very low-quality evidence from 9 RCTs and 5 RCTs showed no statistically significant effect of exergames (games entailing physical exercises) on anxiety levels when compared with conventional exercises (P=.70) and no intervention (P=.27), respectively. Of these, 22 RCTs were eventually included in the meta-analysis. Of the 935 citations retrieved, 33 studies were included in this review. We used a narrative and statistical approach, as appropriate, to synthesize the results of the included studies.
Two reviewers independently carried out the study selection, data extraction, risk of bias assessment, and quality of evidence appraisal. We also conducted backward and forward reference list checking for the included studies and relevant reviews. The following seven databases were searched: MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ACM Digital Library, IEEE Xplore, Scopus, and Google Scholar. We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). This study aims to assess the effectiveness of serious games in alleviating anxiety by summarizing the results of previous studies and providing an up-to-date review. The effectiveness of serious games in alleviating anxiety has been investigated by several systematic reviews however, they were limited by design and methodological weaknesses. One of the nonpharmacological treatments used for reducing anxiety is serious games, which are games that have a purpose other than entertainment. Anxiety is a mental disorder characterized by apprehension, tension, uneasiness, and other related behavioral disturbances.
0 kommentar(er)
