Table 2.
Training characteristics of the study population
| Variable | Exergame group (n = 38) | Aerobic group (n = 38) | Control group (n = 39) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adherence rate (%), mean (SD) | 87.3 (13.6)* | 81.1 (13.7)* | 85.4 (12.9) |
| Duration training session (min), mean (SD) | 32.6 (6.0) | 30.5 (8.7) | 30a |
| Training load (W), mean (SD) | 53.7 (34.9) | 51.2 (27.7) | NA |
| Resting heart rate (beats/min), mean (SD) | 79.4 (12.1) | 77.9 (10.4) | NA |
| Heart rate during training (beats/min), mean (SD) | 105.5 (14.8) | 103.9 (14.3) | NA |
| Heart rate difference (beats/min), mean (SD) | 26.1 (15.1) | 26.0 (13.8) | NA |
| Training intensityb (% of maximal heart rate), mean (SD) | 41.8 (13.3) | 43.5 (18.2) | NA |
| Rate of perceived exertion during training,c mean (SD) | 13.1 (1.2) | 12.8 (1.9) | NA |
| Rating of training sessionsd (scale 1–5), Median (interquartile range) | 5.0 (4.0–5.0) | 5.0 (4.0–5.0) | 5.0 (4.0–5.0) |
| Training level after 6 weeksd (scale 1–7), Median (interquartile range) | 5.0 (4.3–5.8) | NA | NA |
| Training level after 12 weeksd (scale 1–7), Median (interquartile range) | 5.5 (5.0–6.0) | NA | NA |
Differences between groups tested with one-way analysis of variance (three groups) or independent-sample t test (two groups), if data were normally distributed. For post-hoc comparisons, Tukey honest significant difference test was performed. If data was not normally distributed, Kruskall Wallis test was performed.
NA not applicable, SD standard deviation
aAll training sessions lasted for 30 min, time has not been recorded
bTraining intensity only calculated for participants who do not use beta-blockers (n = 21 and n = 20 in the exergame group and the aerobic group respectively)
cTheoretical range 6–20, where 6 indicates lowest intensity level and score 20 indicates highest intensity level
dData not normally distributed, therefore presented as median (interquartile range)
*A trend was found towards higher adherence in the exergame group compared to the aerobic group (mean difference (95% confidence interval) 6.85 (− 0.09 to 13.79), p = 0.053)