Home-Based Active Video Games to Promote Weight Loss during the Postpartum Period

Abstract

AVGs could represent an interesting spare physical activity for postpartum women. In the present study, these games promoted physical activity, induced a reduction of energy intake, and subsequently minimized weight retention.

The Effects of Exercise on Postpartum Weight Retention in Overweight and Obese Women

“…However, as these interventions are unsupervised, participants need to be fully familiarised with the exercises and given clear instructions on the frequency, duration and choice of activities to prevent injury and to maximise the enjoyment and sustainability of this type of exercise. Although LeCheminant et al [38] and Tripette et al [39] did not show a significant group effect on body weight or composition, the change in physical activity habits associated with the exercise groups reflect a positive behaviour change, which is necessary for tackling obesity. In addition, the exercise programmes resulted in other health benefits; exercising participants were significantly stronger (bench press, leg press and abdominal curl-ups) [38], had better exercise self-efficacy [38], were less sedentary and more active (lightintensity activity time) [38] and had greater trunk flexibility [39] than non-exercising participants.…”

“…Although LeCheminant et al [38] and Tripette et al [39] did not show a significant group effect on body weight or composition, the change in physical activity habits associated with the exercise groups reflect a positive behaviour change, which is necessary for tackling obesity. In addition, the exercise programmes resulted in other health benefits; exercising participants were significantly stronger (bench press, leg press and abdominal curl-ups) [38], had better exercise self-efficacy [38], were less sedentary and more active (lightintensity activity time) [38] and had greater trunk flexibility [39] than non-exercising participants. Several methodological limitations were noted including; small sample size [38], insufficient tracking system for exercise adherence [39], inadequate energy intake measures [39], short study duration [39] and the absence of a control group [40].…”

“…Any type of physical activity, consisting of planned, structured and repetitive body movement done to improve one or more component of physical fitness, was considered as "exercise". Two new, additional papers were identified [38,39].…”

“…Tripette et al [39] used active video games (AVG) to promote weight loss following childbirth in Japanese women (BMI 24.5 ± 3.4 kg·m -2 ). Postpartum women were randomised to an AVG or no intervention group and body mass, height, BMI, waist to hip ratio, whole body fat and lean mass were assessed prior to and following the 40-day intervention period.…”

“…In particular, the video-based studies [39,40] seem appropriate for new mothers as they can be performed at home, at a convenient time, without childcare. However, as these interventions are unsupervised, participants need to be fully familiarised with the exercises and given clear instructions on the frequency, duration and choice of activities to prevent injury and to maximise the enjoyment and sustainability of this type of exercise.…”