Acute cardiovascular responses while playing virtual games simulated by Nintendo Wii(®).
[Purpose] This investigation evaluated the acute cardiovascular responses that occur while playing virtual games (aerobic and balance) emulated by Nintendo Wii(®). [Subjects] Nineteen healthy male volunteers were recruited. [Methods] The ergospirometric variables of maximum oxygen consumption, metabolic equivalents, and heart rate were obtained during the aerobic (Obstacle Course, Hula Hoop, and Free Run) and balance (Soccer Heading, Penguin Slide, and Table Tilt) games of Wii Fit Plus(®) software. To access and analyze the ergospirometric information, a VO2000 analyzer was used. Normalized data (using maximum oxygen consumption and heart rate) were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance and Scheffe's test. [Results] Significant differences were found among the balance and aerobic games in all variables analyzed. In addition, the Wii exercises performed were considered to be of light (balance games) and moderate (aerobic games) intensity in accordance with American College Sports Medicine exercise stratification. [Conclusion] Physical activity in a virtual environment emulated by Nintendo Wii(®) can change acute cardiovascular responses, primarily when Wii aerobic games are performed. These results support the use of the Nintendo Wii(®) in physical activity programs.
Group of Studies and Research in Health Sciences (GEP-CS), Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of The South of Minas Gerais (IFSULDEMINAS), Brazil.
Gusthavo Augusto Alves
GA
Rodrigues
Group of Studies and Research in Health Sciences (GEP-CS), Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of The South of Minas Gerais (IFSULDEMINAS), Brazil.
Danilo De Souza
Dde S
Felipe
Group of Studies and Research in Health Sciences (GEP-CS), Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of The South of Minas Gerais (IFSULDEMINAS), Brazil.
Elisangela
E
Silva
Group of Studies and Research in Health Sciences (GEP-CS), Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of The South of Minas Gerais (IFSULDEMINAS), Brazil.
Wagner Zeferino
WZ
De Freitas
Group of Studies and Research in Health Sciences (GEP-CS), Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of The South of Minas Gerais (IFSULDEMINAS), Brazil.
Wonder Passoni
WP
Higino
Group of Studies and Research in Health Sciences (GEP-CS), Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of The South of Minas Gerais (IFSULDEMINAS), Brazil ; Biomedical Engineering Institute, Camilo Castelo Branco University (UNICASTELO), Brazil.
Fabiano Fernandes
FF
Da Silva
Department of Physical Education, Center for Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Maranhão (UFMA), Brazil.
Wellington Roberto Gomes
WR
De Carvalho
Group of Studies and Research in Health Sciences (GEP-CS), Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of The South of Minas Gerais (IFSULDEMINAS), Brazil.
Renato
R
Aparecido de Souza
Ergospirometric; Exergames; Functional Exercises