Redefining Play: Leveraging Video Games to Promote Physical Activity
Photo by Cláudio Luiz Castro on Unsplash
The prevalence of global obesity has reached epidemic proportions. According to the World Obesity Atlas 2023 report, 38% of the global population is currently either overweight or obese, having a body mass index (BMI) higher than 25 kg/m2. Inadequate energy expenditure and excessive energy intake can lead to an increased risk of obesity, as well as, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. These deleterious outcomes are significant risk factors for increased morbidity and mortality. The recommended amount of physical activity is ≥150 min per week of moderate intensity, however, the majority of people do not meet these guidelines. For these reasons, there is a need for better strategies to help improve physical activity levels among people particularly young of both sexes. Therefore, the new genre of video games has geared towards promoting physical activity, and its effect on energy expenditure. [1]
Globally people spend up to 4 to 5 hours per day on computers, television, and videogames combined which contributes to a sedentary lifestyle. Across the globe, the majority of adolescents are not reaching the recommended amount of physical activity, consequently impacting their physical and mental health. Reasons for decreased physical activity levels may be caused by various factors, as children and adolescents spend much more time sedentary in front of the screen. Because there is a correlation between screen-viewing activities and physical inactivity, computerized video games that promote physical activity continue to develop.
The term “exergaming,” is a relatively new type of entertainment that couples physical activity and video gaming. Several studies have examined the benefits of exergaming and its impact on health. Active video gaming or exergaming, has become an emerging trend in the fitness, education, and health sectors. It is defined as digital games that require bodily movements stimulating an active gaming experience to function as a form of physical activity. Exergaming might bear the potential to make children and adolescents more active, thus positively affecting their health. Active video games, such as the Dance Dance Revolution, EA Sports, Wii, Xbox Kinect, and Nintendo gaming systems, can help sedentary individuals achieve more physical activity than traditional exercise. Several studies have examined the benefits of exergaming and its impact on health. The most noteworthy of these exergames are the dance simulation games which demonstrated the most significant increase in energy expenditure. People may be more likely to commit to and maintain an exercise regimen if they are actively engaged in a cognitive activity that they enjoy and that distracts them from the physical activity. In addition, people may be more likely to exercise longer if they have something to distract them from their exercise and thus expend greater amounts of energy. [1]
People who play the physically active video games continue to do more exercise because they get more enjoyment, better management of stress and depressive symptoms, feel more engaged in physical activity and are more confident about their ability to exercise than people doing standard exercise.
Traditional exercise, such as weightlifting or running, doesn’t appeal to some people. But they may be open to active video gaming because it doesn’t seem like exercise. It’s just fun. That desire to play may help people dip their toes in physical activity without the pressures or boredom that sometimes come with heading to the gym.
Exergaming has been titled “The Future of Fitness” by the American College of Sports Medicine, promoting PA and health in children and adolescents. The available evidence indicates exergaming’s potential to improve health via an increase in physical activity.[2]
SWAT Analysis – Exergaming[3]
The positive relationship between exercise and video gaming could have an important impact on the growing number of people who play video games worldwide. The latest statistics show that there are 2.3 billion video game players in the world and this number is expected to increase to 2.7 billion by the end of 2024. At the same time as video game use is increasing, society is failing to promote physical activity in younger individuals. Video gamers could potentially integrate exercise into their training routines not only to enhance their video game performance but also to benefit from the well-known effects of exercise on physical and cognitive health.[3]
Research suggests that some video games encourage more involvement in sports. Kids who play sports-based video games tend to play more sports. Many new engaging games that use the Nintendo, Wii-U PlayStation, Move or Xbox Kinect can be very active, burn calories, and enhance fitness. Current research suggests that video games involving sports are more often played by children who already play them in real life. Many of these children use video games for further development of proficiency in various sports. Research also indicates that video games are less likely to lead to obesity than television viewing, as players are unable to eat while playing most games. Fortunately, many games are now being designed to encourage healthy eating habits, increase exercise, and combat diabetes. These games provide many teaching opportunities for habits that can improve health and fitness.[4]
Playing a physically active video game increases heart rate, oxygen consumption, and energy expenditure in children and adults, suggesting that they can be a useful tool for promoting physical activity. In addition to promoting physical activity, video games can also have a positive impact on mental health. Playing video games has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, as well as improve mood and cognitive function, and can be an effective way to manage chronic pain. To maximize the potential health benefits of video games, it is important to choose games that promote physical activity and positive mental health outcomes. Additionally, games that promote relaxation, stress reduction, and cognitive function, such as puzzle games and mindfulness apps, can have a positive impact on mental health.
Exergames are also an easy way for parents to increase their children’s physical activity. When one is buying games for children or themselves, try to buy games that have some activity in them. For kids and many adults, playing a video game doesn’t feel like exercise. One forgets sometimes that it’s really hard for inactive people to take that first step. These games may be able to address that problem. According to a new study active video games have similar positive health effects on the body as traditional exercises, such as jogging on a treadmill. The researchers say these games could be used by type 1 diabetics as a more enjoyable way to stay active and manage their condition. Whilst sedentary screen time spent playing video games is often blamed for causing obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes, new research suggests that certain video games could encourage players to be more active. Gamifying exercise not only takes one’s mind off the exertion but working towards rewards in the game or even competing against friends helps motivate one to return to do more.[5]
Exergames improve balance and mobility in individuals engaged in exergaming without neurological disorders and motivate patients to keep performing balance exercises. Video games can have a significant impact on physical fitness and health. While some games may contribute to a sedentary lifestyle and negative health outcomes, others can promote physical activity and positive mental health outcomes. By choosing games that promote physical activity and positive mental health, gamers can enjoy the many benefits of video games while staying healthy and fit.
References
Lobstein T, Brinsden H, Neveux M. World Obesity Atlas 2022. World Obesity Federation. 2022. [Last accessed on 01 Dec 2022]
Exergame Network Wiki (2010). Exergaming definitions. Retrieved July 1, 2010, from http://exergaming.pbworks.com/Exergaming-Definitions
Höchsmann C, Schüpbach M, Schmidt-Trucksäss . Effects of exergaming on physical activity in overweight individuals. Sports Med 2016;46:845–60.doi:10.1007/s40279-015-0455-z
Bonetti AJ, Drury DG, Danoff JV, Miller TA. Comparison of acute exercise responses between conventional video gaming and isometric resistance exergaming. J Strength Cond Res. 2010; 24(7):1799–1803
"Exercise Improves Video Game Performance: A Win-Win Situation" was published online in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise on January 17, 2020. DOI: 10.1249