title: Alternative options for prescribing physical activity among obese children and adolescents: brisk walking supported by an exergaming platform.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Physical inactivity has been identified as an important public health concern for children. An increasing sedentary way of life is directly related to obesity; hence, prevention and management of childhood obesity are commonly based on lifestyle interventions wherein increasing physical activity is one of the main targets. The use of exergames can be useful in promoting physical activity, but it is necessary more research. This study analyzes the effects of an exergaming platform that involves brisk walking, on perceived exertion, self-efficacy, positive expectations and satisfaction in a sample of clinically obese children, as compared with normal weight children. Physiological variables like heart rate, oxygen consumption and energy expenditure were also measured.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total sample of 42 children was recruited. Children were randomized into those walking on a treadmill and those using a treadmill with the support of the exergaming platform (Wii-Fit).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The obese children scored significantly higher in expectations and satisfaction in the exergame condition but not in self-efficacy, perceived exertion or physiological measures.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results suggest that this exergaming platform could be a tool to assist obese children in the practice of brisk walking as part of a programme designed to treat obesity.
authors.affiliation: Department of basic and clinical psychology and psychobiology. Universitat Jaume I. Castelló. CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto Salud Carlos III.. acebolla@uji.es.
authors.forename: Ausias
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cebolla i Martí
authors.affiliation: CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto Salud Carlos III. Child & Adolescent Cardiovascular Risk Unit. Pediatric Department, Consorcio Hospital General, University of Valencia.. alvarez_jul@gva.es.
authors.forename: Julio Carlos
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Álvarez-Pitti
authors.affiliation: CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto Salud Carlos III. I3BH Innovation & Research Institute on Bioengineering for Humans- Universidad Politécnica de Valencia.. jaiguipr@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Jaime
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Guixeres Provinciale
authors.affiliation: University CEU-Cardenal Herrera.. juanfran@uch.ceu.es.
authors.forename: Juan Francisco
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Lisón
authors.affiliation: CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto Salud Carlos III. Department of Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment. University of Valencia. Spain.. rosa.banos@uv.es.
authors.forename: Rosa
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Baños Rivera
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000628:therapy*; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D012649:Self Concept; D016138:Walking