Playing Active Video Games Increases Energy Expenditure in Children

Playing Active Video Games Increases Energy Expenditure in

Children

Dr. Simon BensonGP Specialty Trainee

IntroductionPrevalence of overweight children increasing

sharplyAssociated with higher risk of adulthood

obesity and associated health risks and problems

Traditional exercise programs can be effective at improving weight loss, insulin sensitivity, and spontaneous actvity.

Overweight children are less likely to participate in these programs

Enter--------------------------> EXERGAMING

IntroductionExergaming is a video game that requires

interactive physical activityIntegrates play with exerciseTwo “exergames” were evaluated on two

different platforms – (Sony Playstation 2 and Nintendo Wii)

Has been described in lay media as potential to provide exercise stimulus

No data on physiological responseCompared to walking on treadmill

Methods23 healthy children (14 boys, 9 girls) aged

10-13Recruited locallyTwo visits

Dance Dance Revolution on visit one Wii play and treadmill on visit two

Fasted for 4hours prior except waterConstant temperature and humidityEach visit started with a 20 minute rest

phase

MethodVisit One

Rest – 20 mins DDR level one – 15mins Rest 2 minutes DDR level two – 15mins Rest – 15 mins

MethodsVisit Two

Rest – 20 mins Wii bowling – 15mins Rest 2 minutes Wii boxing – 15 mins Rest 15 mins Treadmill : 2.6 km/hr (6mins)

4.2 km/hr (6mins)5.7 km/hr (6mins)

MethodsMeasurements

Expired oxygen Expired carbon dioxideHeart RateFootstep RatePerceived ExertionArterial Elasticity

Results

Treadmill highequivalent

Treadmill lowequivalent

Restequivalent

■ Boys□ Girls

Results

Rest TM2.6 TM4.2 TM5.7 DDR1 DDR2 Bowl Box0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

Expi

red

Vent

ilaro

ry R

ate

L/m

in

DiscussionBoth Wii sports and DDR elicit increases in

energy expenditure, heart rate and perceived exertion.

Similar to or exceeding moderate intensity walking

Help counter the effects of sedentary behaviour

Important factor is the entertainment valueRecommend 60 mins moderate activity per

day on most days of the week – study shows DDR / Wii sports fulfills this requirement.

ConclusionsActivity promoting video games increase

energy expenditure equivalent to moderate intensity walking

Encouraged to be more physically attractiveOveruse injuries comparable to other

pursuits

Small studyNeed more data on effect of body

composition