title: Effects of Behavioral Contingencies on Adolescent Active Videogame Play and Overall Activity: A Randomized Trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study evaluated the effect of four active videogames (AVGs) varying in behavioral contingencies (behavior-consequence relations) on adolescent AVG play and overall activity levels over 4 weeks.
  
  
  METHODS
  Each AVG, manufactured by SSD/Xavix(®) (Shiseido Co. of Japan, Tokyo, Japan), was coded and scored for the number of positive and aversive behavioral contingencies within the games. "Bowling" and "Tennis" were classified as having "higher contingency scores," and "Boxing" and aerobic fitness training were classified as having "lower contingency scores." Adolescents (n=63; 11-15 years old; 62% male; 38% Hispanic; 44% overweight or obese) were randomized to play one of the four AVGs at home and recorded game play sessions in a paper log. Baseline and week 4 assessments were completed at home; week 1, 2, and 3 assessments were completed by telephone. Accelerometers were worn during baseline and weeks 1 and 4.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Accelerometer-measured sedentary and light activity hours/day were stable over time, whereas moderate-vigorous physical activity minutes/day increased in the higher contingency group and decreased in the lower contingency group (interaction effect, 6.43, P=0.024). Reported game play minutes decreased in both groups from week 1 to week 4 (-29.42 minutes, P=0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There was some support for the hypothesis that AVGs with more behavioral contingencies, compared with AVGs with fewer behavioral contingencies, result in more physical activity. However, overall AVG play decreased substantially after the first week. Further study is needed to better understand how behavioral contingencies can be used in AVGs to enhance their potential to provide health benefits to game players.
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of California , San Diego, La Jolla, California.
authors.forename: Gregory J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Norman
authors.affiliation: 2 School of Nutrition and Health Promotion, Arizona State University , Phoenix, Arizona.
authors.forename: Marc A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Adams
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of California , San Diego, La Jolla, California.|3 Joint Doctoral Program in Public Health, University of California , San Diego and San Diego State University, La Jolla, California.
authors.forename: Ernesto R
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Ramirez
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of California , San Diego, La Jolla, California.|3 Joint Doctoral Program in Public Health, University of California , San Diego and San Diego State University, La Jolla, California.
authors.forename: Jordan A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Carlson
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of California , San Diego, La Jolla, California.
authors.forename: Jacqueline
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kerr
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of California , San Diego, La Jolla, California.
authors.forename: Suneeta
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Godbole
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of California , San Diego, La Jolla, California.
authors.forename: Lindsay
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dillon
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of California , San Diego, La Jolla, California.
authors.forename: Simon J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Marshall