Active video gaming shows positive health effects, says study
Athens (Georgia), March 26: Exergaming or active video gaming may help people become more active, according to a study from the University of Georgia.
The findings of the research were published in the 'International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology.'
Almost anyone can find an exergame that suits their preferences. Some of the most popular exergames include Dance Dance Revolution, EA Sports Active and Beat Saber. Most gaming consoles, such as Xbox and Nintendo, provide active gaming options.
Exergaming has been shown to have physical benefits in previous research, especially when it replaces traditional sedentary video gaming.
Exergamers reported significant levels of satisfaction and autonomy over their exercise routine, according to this study.
"When an individual feels autonomous, they're more likely to exercise or exergame on their own," says Sami Yli-Piipari, the co-author of the research and an associate professor in the Department of Kinesiology in the Mary Frances Early College of Education.
"They feel ownership over what they are doing, and they're doing it for themselves, so it's more likely they will keep up the activity," she continued.
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Some people dislike traditional exercises such as weightlifting or running. However, because active video gaming does not appear to be exercise, they may be open to it.
Meanwhile, the corresponding author of the study and doctoral student in kinesiology, Yongju Hwang said "That desire to play might help people dip their toes in physical activity without the pressures or boredom that sometimes come with heading to the gym."
The study monitored 55 whose daily physical activity was below the recommended 150 minutes per week.
Accelerometers, heart rate monitors and a scale that evaluates how hard participants perceived they were working out were used to track physical activity and exertion during the exercise sessions. The researchers also utilised a range of scales to evaluate the participants' enjoyment of their workouts as well as their motivation to work out.
Individuals in the regular classes worked out more aggressively than those in the exergaming group. People have been shown to give their all in these types of classes because the supportive group environment encourages them to do so and holds them accountable for showing up.
The exergames, on the other hand, had a better time. And, when combined with a sense of control over their exercise routine, they're more likely to stick with it and be open to various types of physical activity in the future.
Adults aren't the only ones who benefit from active video games and their positive health effects.
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According to the researchers, exergames are a simple way for parents to enhance their children's physical activity.
"When you are buying games for your children or for yourself, try to buy games that have some activity in them," said Yli-Piipari.
"If you try to force your children to be active, they may do it because you're telling them to. But the likelihood they continue to be active when you turn your back is low," Yli-Piipari concluded.
-PTC News
