Energy Expenditure and Enjoyment during Video Game Play: Differences by Game Type

Play of physically active video games may be a way to increase physical activity and/or decrease sedentary behavior, but games are not universally active or enjoyable. Active games may differ from traditional games on important attributes, which may affect frequency and intensity of play. The purpos...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Medicine and science in sports and exercise 2011-10, Vol.43 (10), p.1987-1993
Main Authors: LYONS, Elizabeth J, TATE, Deborah F, WARD, Dianne S, MICHAEL BOWLING, J, RIBISL, Kurt M, KALYARARAMAN, Sriram
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Biological and medical sciences
Energy Metabolism - physiology
Female
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Happiness
Humans
Male
Overweight - physiopathology
Recreation - physiology
Vertebrates: body movement. Posture. Locomotion. Flight. Swimming. Physical exercise. Rest. Sports
Video Games - psychology
Young Adult
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Summary:Play of physically active video games may be a way to increase physical activity and/or decrease sedentary behavior, but games are not universally active or enjoyable. Active games may differ from traditional games on important attributes, which may affect frequency and intensity of play. The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in energy expenditure and enjoyment across four game types: shooter (played with traditional controllers), band simulation (guitar or drum controller), dance simulation (dance mat controller), and fitness (balance board controller). Energy expenditure (METs) and enjoyment were measured across 10 games in 100 young adults age 18-35 yr (50 women). All games except shooter games significantly increased energy expenditure over rest (P < 0.001). Fitness and dance games increased energy expenditure by 322% (mean ± SD = 3.10 ± 0.89 METs) and 298% (2.91 ± 0.87 METs), which was greater than that produced by band simulation (73%, 1.28 ± 0.28 METs) and shooter games (23%, 0.91 ± 0.16 METs). However, enjoyment was higher in band simulation games than in other types (P < 0.001). Body mass-corrected energy expenditure was greater in normal weight than in overweight participants in the two most active game types (P < 0.001). Active video games can significantly increase energy expended during screen time, but these games are less enjoyable than other more sedentary games, suggesting that they may be less likely to be played over time. Less active but more enjoyable video games may be a promising method for decreasing sedentary behavior.
ISSN:0195-9131
1530-0315
DOI:10.1249/MSS.0b013e318216ebf3