[Health is a serious matter : so let's play ! Part 1 : an overview of «serious gaming» in physical medicine and rehabilitation].

Abstract

The lack of physical activity is widespread among our populations affecting all age groups from youngsters to older adults, heavily impacting health in general (physical as well as mental health). The main objective of serious gaming is not simply providing entertainment and fun. It aims at achieving specific health-related goals in an efficient and pleasant way. This article will take stock of the general interest of this approach in physical medicine and rehabilitation, while trying to illustrate the barriers and limits. Even if the concept seems effective, more efforts are required based on scientific sound and rational approaches, using standardized methods, to answer multiple existing and persistent questions.