title: Exergaming as a strategic tool in the fight against childhood obesity: a systematic review.
abstract: Improper use of electronic media is considered a major contributing factor to childhood obesity. However, exergames, a new generation of active games, have made it possible to combine electronic entertainment with physical exercise. The purpose of this systematic review was to analyze the use of exergaming as a strategic tool in the fight against childhood obesity. Information was retrieved from the databases SciELO, LILACS, Pubmed, Ebsco, and Science Direct, using the search words "egames," "exergames," "exergaming," "new generation of video games," "active video games," "energy expenditure," "body composition," and "physical activity" in English and Portuguese, covering the period January 2008 to April 2012. Nine articles met the inclusion criteria. Exergaming was found to increase physical activity levels, energy expenditure, maximal oxygen uptake, heart rate, and percentage of physical activity engaged in and to reduce waist circumference and sedentary screen time. Thus, exergaming may be considered a highly relevant strategic tool for the adoption of an active and healthy lifestyle and may be useful in the fight against childhood obesity.
authors: Collective Health Program, University of Fortaleza (UNIFOR), Avenida Washington Soares, 1321 Edson Queiróz, 60.811-905 Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
authors: Carminda Maria Goersch Fontenele
authors: CM
authors: Lamboglia
authors: Vanina Tereza Barbosa Lopes
authors: VT
authors: da Silva
authors: José Eurico
authors: JE
authors: de Vasconcelos Filho
authors: Mônica Helena Neves Pereira
authors: MH
authors: Pinheiro
authors: Marilene Calderaro da Silva
authors: MC
authors: Munguba
authors: Francisco Valmar Isaias
authors: FV
authors: Silva Júnior
authors: Fernando Alberto Ramirez
authors: FA
authors: de Paula
authors: Carlos Antônio Bruno
authors: CA
authors: da Silva
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D063766:Pediatric Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010806:Physical Education and Training; D057185:Sedentary Behavior; D014584:User-Computer Interface; D018910:Video Games / Q000639:trends