Comparison of the Effect of Active Video Games and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Executive Functions of the Elderly: A Randomized Clinical Trial Study.

Objectives: Among the changes related to aging in the elderly, a decline in executive functions is notable. The present study aimed to investigate the comparative impact of active video games (AVG) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on executive functions in elderly individuals in Khuzestan province, Iran.

Methods: This research employed a randomized controlled trial with a pretest-posttest design, including a control group and follow-up. The statistical population comprised all elderly residents of Khuzestan province. Sixty elderly participants (60 years and above) were selected using convenience sampling and randomly assigned to three experimental groups (tDCS, AVG, tDCS + AVG) and one control group. They received interventions for 5 weeks (2 sessions per week). Data were collected using the N-back, Stroop, and Wisconsin Card Sorting tests. Data analysis was performed using mixed-ANOVA with SPSS version 25, and significance was set at p < .05.

Results: The results of the study demonstrated that AVG and tDCS significantly improved working memory and cognitive flexibility in the elderly. Comparison between the two intervention groups indicated a greater effect of tDCS compared to AVG (p < .05). Additionally, the combined group showed better performance in posttest and memory follow-up compared to the other groups, although no significant difference was found in the attention component (p > .05).

Conclusion: Engaging in AVG and tDCS can contribute to improving executive functions in the elderly. Therefore, it is recommended that these therapeutic techniques be utilized in elderly care centers to enhance the executive performance of these individuals.