Effects of Somatosensory Games on Heart Rate Variability and Sleep-Related Biomarkers in Menopausal Women With Poor Sleep Quality.

Background and objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 12-week somatosensory games on heart rate variability and sleep-related biomarkers in middle-aged women with poor sleep quality.

Research design and methods: Twenty-nine women with poor sleep quality were recruited as participants randomly assigned into ring fit adventure exergame group (RFA, n = 15) and control group (CON, n = 14). The RFA group received ring fit adventure exergame for 60 min each time, 2 times a week, for 12 weeks. The CON group was not allowed to participate in intervention activities during the study period. Heart rate variability, sleep quality, cortisol, serotonin, and high-sensitive C-reactive protein were measured before and after the 12-week intervention.

Results: The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index total score in the RFA group was significantly lower compared with the CON group. The value of the standard deviation of normal NN intervals and the root mean square of the successive RR Differences were significantly increased in the RFA group, when compared with the CON group. The change in the logarithm of high frequency (log HF) was significantly higher and change in the logarithm of low frequency to high frequency ratio (log LF/HF) was significantly lower in the RFA group, when compared to the CON group. The change level of serotonin in the RFA group was significantly higher compared with the CON group.

Discussion and implications: The results suggest that somatosensory games might improve sleep quality, increase serotonin level, and decrease sympathetic nerve activities in middle-aged women with poor sleep quality.