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Playing Active Video Games Increases Energy Expenditure in Children Dr. Simon Benson GP Specialty Trainee
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
