Energy expended playing video console games: an opportunity to increase children's physical activity?
This study sought to quantify the energy expenditure and physical activity associated with playing the "new generation" active and nonactive console-based video games in 21 children ages 10-14 years. Energy expenditure (kcal) derived from oxygen consumption (VO2) was continuously assessed while children played nonactive and active console video games. Physical activity was assessed continuously using the Actigraph accelerometer. Significant (p < .001) increases from baseline were found for energy expenditure (129-400%), heart rate (43-84%), and activity counts (122-1288 versus 0-23) when playing the active console video games. Playing active console video games over short periods of time is similar in intensity to light to moderate traditional physical activities such as walking, skipping, and jogging.
Maddison
Ralph
R
Clinical Trials Research Unit, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
Mhurchu
Cliona Ni
CN
Jull
Andrew
A
Jiang
Yannan
Y
Prapavessis
Harry
H
Rodgers
Anthony
A
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003615:Dancing; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013177:Sports; D014584:User-Computer Interface; D018910:Video Games