Exergaming Effects on Physical Activity Beliefs and Intention among At-Risk Hispanic Youth

Abstract

With the increase of childhood obesity and sedentary behavior, it is essential to discover innovative ways to motivate youth to be more active. Many Hispanic children in the United States in obesogenic environments particularly lack opportunities for physical activity (PA). Exergames (i.e., motion-based video games) may enhance PA among at-risk populations. This study investigated the impact of exergaming on at-risk, Hispanic high school students with respect to physical activity self-efficacy (PA-SE), PA enjoyment, and intention to be physically active through a 10-week Exergaming Activity Program. Instrumentation included the PA-SE Questionnaire and the PA Enjoyment Scale. Paired-samples t-tests, confirmed by Wilcoxon signed rank tests for paired data, revealed that PA-SE, PA enjoyment, and PA intention increased from the beginning to the end of the program, but PA intention was the only measure that was statistically significant. Results provide insight for physical educators and PA leaders into a possible way to increase PA among at-risk youth living in environments where outside PA opportunities are scarce or unsafe.