Heart Rate and Perceived Exertion During Self-Selected Intensities for Exergaming Compared to Traditional Exercise in College-Age Participants

Abstract

Exergames may be useful for promoting physical activity in younger populations. Heart rate (HRs) responses and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) at self-selected intensities were compared in college-age participants during 2 modes of exergame activity vs. traditional exercise. Thirty-seven participants (men: 20, women: 17) completed 3 30-minute self-selected intensity trials: (a) video game interactive bicycle ergometer (GB) (CatEye GB300), (b) interactive video dance game (Dance Dance Revolution [DDR]), and (c) traditional cycle ergometer (CE) while watching television. Mean HR, peak HR (PkHR), and minutes above target HR (THR) were significantly higher for GB (144 ± 22 b · min(-1) [57% HR reserve (HRR)], 161 ± 23 b · min(-1), and 22.5 ± 11.1 minutes) than for DDR (119 ± 16 b · min(-1) [37% HRR], 138 ± 20 b · min(-1), and 11.2 ± 11.9 minutes) or for CE (126 ± 20 b · min(-1) [42% HRR], 144 ± 24 b · min(-1), and 14.2 ± 12.6 minutes). The RPE was significantly higher for GB (4.2 ± 1.5) and CE (3.8 ± 1.2) than for DDR (2.7 ± 1.3). Recovery HR (RecHR) (15 minutes postexercise) was significantly higher for GB (91 ± 14 b · min(-1)) than for DDR (80 ± 11 b · min(-1)) and neared significance vs. CE (84 ± 14 b · min(-1), p = 0.059). No difference in PkHR, RecHR, or minutes above THR was observed between DDR and CE. Session RPE was significantly higher for GB (4.6 ± 1.7) and CE (4.1 ± 1.6) than for DDR (2.8 ± 1.5). All modes elicited extended proportions of time above THR; GB: 75%, DDR: 37%, and CE: 47%. Results support that exergames are capable of eliciting physiological responses necessary for fitness improvements. Practitioners might consider exergames as periodic activity options for clients needing motivation to be regularly active.

Active Gaming to Promote Physical Activity: Questions to Consider for Your School

“…reduction in relative weight and Body Mass Index" (United Health Group, 2014, p. 1). This study supports previous research (Kraft, Russell, Bowman, Selsor, & Foster, 2011) that showed that various types of active gaming can elicit the "physiological responses necessary for fitness improvements" (p. 1736) among college students. …”

Physiological load associated with a Zumba®fitness workout: a comparison pilot study between classes and a DVD

“…For example, the "Dance Dance Revolution" exergame was associated with HR mean of 119 beats · min −1 or 37% of HHR and the Wii "Just Dance 3" and "Kinect Dance Central" with energy expenditures of about 4 METs (Bronner, Pinsker, & Noah, 2013;Kraft, Russell, Bowman, Selsor, & Foster, 2011). The values measured in the present study are greater than those, and comparable to previous findings on a Zumba ® DVD workout (6.0 vs 6.6-7.3 METs in the present study and the study of Otto et al 2011).…”

Exergames podem ser uma ferramenta para acréscimo de atividade física e melhora do condicionamento físico?

“…Foram seguidos pelos jogos de dança (Dance Dance Revolution e Dance Central) 7,[16][17][18]20,24,25 , com predominância na movimentação corporal dos membros superiores e inferiores, localizados em aproximadamente 36% do total dos jogos estudados. Os games de tennis, yoga, golf, ski, baseball, boliche e corrida apareceram em cerca de 36% do total dos jogos estudados 4,13,14,20,[26][27][28] .…”

“…Os games de tennis, yoga, golf, ski, baseball, boliche e corrida apareceram em cerca de 36% do total dos jogos estudados 4,13,14,20,[26][27][28] . 4,6,[13][14][15][16]30 . A sua prática pode ser comparada a atividades reais como uma caminhada, pedalada e práticas esportivas 18,23,26 .…”