Acute cardiovascular responses while playing virtual games simulated by Nintendo Wii^®

Abstract

[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.

Exergames as Coping Strategies for Anxiety Disorders During the COVID-19 Quarantine Period

“…16 These characteristics are crucial for increasing motivation and self-efficacy, as well as for possibly keeping people physically active. 17 Previous studies have shown that exergame interventions are able to improve the following: physical activity levels, 18 the performance of daily activities, 19,20 heart rate, [21][22][23][24][25] oxygen consumption, 21,23,25 and energy expenditure in various populations 21,23,25,26 ; improvements in body composition in children 27 ; and postural balance 28 and cognitive function in older adults. 29 Moreover, it has already been demonstrated that a single session of a dance exergame reduced anxiety levels in young adult women.…”

Profiling exercise intensity during the exergame Hollywood Workout on XBOX 360 Kinect®

“… Graves et al (2010) compared the physiological cost among adolescents, young, and older adults during a game with a joystick, Wii® Fit activities (yoga, muscle conditioning, balance, and aerobics), and brisk treadmill walking and jogging and found that energy expenditure and HR of Wii® Fit activities were greater than joystick games, but lower than treadmill exercise and that the Wii® elicited moderate intensity activity. Rodrigues et al (2015) evaluated the acute metabolic and cardiovascular responses of healthy men during exergames with the Nintendo Wii® (obstacle course, hula hoop, free run, soccer heading, penguin slide, and table tilt) and found that the Wii® exercises are considered to be of light and moderate intensity. Wu, Wu & Chu (2015) examined and compared the energy expenditure and intensity of XBOX 360 Kinect® exergames (boxing, soccer, track and field, ping pong, beach volleyball, and bowling) in healthy young adults and observed that boxing and soccer exergames provided the greater exercise intensity.…”

Mini-trampoline enhances cardiovascular responses during a stationary running exergame in adults

“…Utilizing new motion detection technology, EXGs are capable of translating motor actions into personal commands to the virtual game, creating an immersive and interactive environment. The Nintendo Wii ® (Nintendo, Kyoto, Japan), one of the most popular EXG in the world, has been the object of studies that indicate effective improvements and maintenance of cardiorespiratory fitness in adults [3, 4, 5].…”