The energy cost of playing active video games in children with obesity and children of a healthy weight

Abstract

Summary What is already known about this subject Active video games (AVGs) are being marketed as exercise tools. AVG play can result in light‐to‐moderate intensity physical activity. What this study adds A comparison correcting for body size between the energy expended by children with obesity and those of a healthy weight playing AVGs. An examination of several variables related to the energy cost of AVG play including steps taken and rate of perceived exertion. There may be some differences in how children with obesity and children of a healthy weight play AVGs. Background Increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviour form a large part of the treatment of paediatric obesity. However, many children today spend prolonged periods of time playing sedentary video games. Active video games (AVGs) represent a novel and child friendly form of physical activity. Objectives To measure the energy cost of playing two AVGs in children with obesity and healthy age‐ and gender‐matched children. Methods The energy cost of gaming and heart rates achieved during gaming conditions were compared between groups. Results AVG play can result in light‐to‐moderate intensity physical activity (2.7–5.4 metabolic equivalents). When corrected for fat‐free mass those with obesity expended significantly less energy than healthy weight peers playing Nintendo Wii Fit Free Jogging (P = 0.017). No significant difference was seen between groups in the energy cost of playing Boxing. Conclusion Certain AVGs, particularly those that require lower limb movement, could be used to increase total energy expenditure, replace more sedentary activities, or achieve moderate intensity physical activity among children with obesity. There seems to be some differences in how children with obesity and children of a healthy weight play AVGs. This could result in those with obesity expending less energy than their lean peers during AVG play.

Heart rate response during a session with different active videogames.

“…(19) Similar to the study by Smallwood, Morris, Fallows, & Buckley, in this study there was no accumulation of activity, which can be shown by the values of heart rate, since there was a passive rest lasting 5 minutes. (11) For example, boxing gave peak heart rate on familiarization in 3 minutes, as well as the three-minute familiarization dancing with abrupt elevation, with the highest peaks of HR this game.…”

Energy intake adaptations to acute isoenergetic active video games and exercise are similar in obese adolescents

“…11 Although it has been effectively shown that AVGs increase acute energy expenditure, 12,13 some interventional studies failed to find any body weight loss in obese youth by using AVGs instead of exercise (EX) training. 14 This observation might be explained by some possible compensation in food intake and/or physical activity adjustments.…”

How Children Use Active Videogames and the Association Between Screen Time and Physical Activity

“…[6][7][8] Furthermore, despite high AVG sales, 9,10 it is not known how many children have access to AVGs, how often they are used, and whether the games are typically played in an active manner or not. Although AVG consoles enable players to be physically active and have the potential to result in moderate-intensity physical activity in youth and adults, 11,12 sedentary games are also available for these ''active'' consoles. When children play sedentary games on an AVG console, the activity is analogous to playing a traditional sedentary electronic videogame console.…”