2009 Studies & Research Blog

The alarming rise in obesity has been linked to many factors, from an increase in non-nutritive sweeteners in many food products to the reduction in physical activity and nutritional knowledge of individuals.  Those who cite the lack of physical activity as the main reason for increasing obesity levels point to modern entertainment, such as television and video game systems, as some of the worst offenders, as they keep people, especially children and teens, on the couch instead of outside playing sports.

However, advances in video game technology, specifically motion-detection devices, have led to systems such as the Nintendo Wii, which allow gamers to actively participate in their virtual adventures using their entire bodies instead of just their thumbs. But are these video game systems, engaging though they may be, a suitable substitute for actual exercise?  A study recently published in the Journal of Exercise Physiology investigated that very question.

The study compared the efficacy of three scenarios - sedentary (traditional) video game playing, Boxing on the Nintendo Wii system, and treadmill walking at 2.5 miles per hour.  The participant group included both males and females with an average age of 31.5 years.  Heart rate, oxygen uptake and ratings of perceived exertion were taken at rest and during the exercise sessions.  The researchers also surveyed the participants for hedonics, or liking, of the activities, which is crucial for exercise programs because it influences continued compliance.

The results indicated that all of the activities - even the sedentary video game playing, triggered an increase in heart rate and oxygen uptake.  However, in both of these categories, the Nintendo Wii boxing simulation provided the greatest increase.  Average heart rate for participants in the Wii boxing game was 121.2 beats per minute, nearly 30 beats per minute more than the next highest activity, the treadmill walking.  In terms of oxygen uptake, which is linked to energy expenditure, the Wii boxing simulation provided an increase of about 50 percent over the oxygen uptake during treadmill walking.

The participants did seem to be aware that they were receiving a better workout from the Wii, as ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were highest during the Wii simulation, with treadmill walking following behind.  But even though participants acknowledged that the Wii boxing required the most work, the liking rating of the Wii was highest as well, nearly double that of the treadmill walking.

And while the Wii boxing simulation would not produce as good of a workout as actual boxing, it’s not likely that the average person would have the choice between the two.  The researchers took this into consideration, noting that the prevalence of sedentary video game play suggested that the substitution of a more interactive video game could be a highly effective way to increase physical activity.  The high liking ratings also suggest that the Wii games would be less intimidating than exercise in a gym setting, and thus suitable for beginners.

SOURCE:

Barkley, Jacob E. and Penko, Amanda.  Physiologic Responses, Perceived Exertion, and Hedonics of Playing a Physical Interactive Video Game Relative to a Sedentary Alternative and Treadmill Walking in Adults. Journal of Exercise Physiology Online, 2009; 12(3): 12-23.