Heart Rate and Liking During “Kinect Boxing” Versus “Wii Boxing”: The Potential for Enjoyable Vigorous Physical Activity Videogames

Active Virtual Reality Games: Comparing Energy Expenditure, Game Experience, and Cybersickness to Traditional Gaming and Exercise in Youth Aged 8-12

Objective: The purpose of this study was to (1) quantify the oxygen consumption (VO2) and heart rate (HR) of virtual reality (VR) exergaming in youth, (2) compare the physical activity intensity of VR gaming to moderate-intensity thresholds, and (3) quantify the game experience and cybersickness of VR gaming, compared with traditional gaming. Material and Methods: Youth (N = 28; age, 9.4 ± 1.2 years) completed 10-minute conditions: seated rest, seated videogame Katamari Forever (SVG-KF), treadmill walking (TW) (5.6 km/h, 0% grade), and VR exergames Beat Saber (BS) and Thrill of the Fight (TOF) while VO2 and HR were collected. Game experience and Child Simulator Sickness Questionnaires were collected after gameplay. Results: VO2 and HR for BS (9.1 ± 3.0 mL/kg/min and 119 ± 15 bpm), TW (17.1 ± 2.4 mL/kg/min and 135 ± 15 bpm), and TOF (16.9 ± 5.4 mL/kg/min and 145 ± 19 bpm) were significantly higher than that at rest (4.2 ± 1.5 mL/kg/min and 94 ± 12 bpm) and for SVG-KF (4.3 ± 1.3 mL/kg/min and 94 ± 12 bpm). BS was light-to-moderate, whereas TW and TOF were of moderate intensity based on HR and metabolic equivalents (METs). For game experience, SVG-KF (1.6 ± 1.6) was less challenging than BS (3.3 ± 1.0) and TOF (3.1 ± 1.1). BS was more visually satisfying (3.5 ± 0.7 vs 2.7 ± 0.9) and required more concentration than SVG-KF (3.6 ± 0.7 vs 3.1 ± 1.1). TOF (3.4 ± 0.8) was more fun than SVG-KF (2.8 ± 0.7). Two youths (7%) experienced cybersickness symptoms, but neither requested to stop play. Oculomotor symptoms (0.6 ± 0.9), although minimal, were significantly greater than nausea (0.2 ± 0.5) and disorientation (0.3 ± 0.6) in both games. Conclusions: VR exergames provided light- to moderate-intensity exercise, challenge, visual stimulation, attention, and fun with minimal cybersickness symptoms, compared with conventional gameplay in youth.

Measured and Perceived Exercise Intensity During the Performance of Single-Task, Cognitive-Motor Dual-Task, and Exergame Training: Transversal Study

BACKGROUND

The physical and cognitive loads borne during exergaming may differ from more conventional cognitive-motor dual-task trainings.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this pilot transversal study was to compare objectively measured and perceived exercise intensity during exergame, cognitive-motor dual-task, and single-task training sessions.

METHODS

We recruited apparently healthy young adults who carried out one session of each type of training: exergaming, cognitive-motor dual-tasking, and single-tasking. We used a custom-made exergame as support. The sessions lasted 30 minutes, were spaced at least 24 hours apart, and took place in random order for each group of 4 participants. We used heart rates to assess exercise intensity and the modified Borg scale to assess perception of intensity. In all, 16 apparently healthy young participants carried out all sessions.

RESULTS

There was no difference between the different types of training in mean heart rates (P=.27), peak heart rates (P=.50), or Borg scale scores (P=.40). Our custom-made exergame's objectively measured and perceived physical load did not differ between cognitive-motor dual-task and single-task training.

CONCLUSIONS

As a result, our exergame can be considered to be as challenging as more traditional physical training. Future studies should be conducted in older adults with or without cognitive impairments and incorporate an assessment of cognitive performance.

Active Video Games Performance and Heart Rate on the Wii or Kinect in Children with and without Developmental Coordination Disorder

Our objective was to compare changes in game performance and intensity of heart rate (HR) between two types of active video game (AVG) in children with and without Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Additionally, we assessed the level of improvement per game as well as the perceived exertion and enjoyment during training. Seventy-six children, 36 with DCD and 40 without (TD) were randomly assigned to a 5-week program of Wii-Fit or Xbox-Kinect training 2× a week. The steepness of the performance curves was not different between consoles, nor between groups. Playing Kinect games resulted in higher HR in both groups. Wii and Kinect seem to be comparable AVG consoles that can be used for children with and without DCD, with the Kinect reaching a higher intensity of training.

The influence of active video game play upon physical activity and screen-based activities in sedentary children

Background

Few children meet physical activity recommendations, partly due to the prevalence of screen-based sedentary activities. Active video game (AVG) play produces light to moderate physical activity. Yet, providing children access to AVG does not increase physical activity, possibly because children who play AVG may also tend towards sedentary screen-based activities. How multiple days of AVG play influences children’s choice of other activities is not yet known.

Purpose

To examine how AVG influences children’s physical activity, sedentary screen-based activities, and other alternative activities.

Methods

Sedentary children (N = 49) played AVG 3 times/week and sedentary video games (SVG) ad libitum for 6 weeks, followed by 4 weeks of ad libitum play of both AVG and SVG. Participants wore an activity monitor for 7 days and completed a 24-hour activity recall on 4 randomly selected days at baseline, week 6, and week 10.

Results

AVG play increased during the intervention (p < 0.01). Light activity and SVG play both decreased baseline to 10 weeks (p = 0.006) and 6 to 10 weeks (p = 0.017). Non-SVG sedentary behavior increased from baseline to 10 weeks (p = 0.005) and 6 to 10 weeks (p = 0.007). Changes over time were not observed in physical activity, or recall-measured active play, social activities, other hobbies, television or computer/phone use.

Conclusion

AVG play did not change children’s objectively-measured physical activity or subjectively measured active play. SVG time was substituted with other sedentary behaviors. AVG did not increase time engaged in SVG or screen-based devices.

Differences in Physical Activity During Walking and Two Pokémon Go Playing Styles

Objective: Two self-selected playing styles of Pokémon Go (PG) have been observed: intermittent and continuous. However, it is unknown how playing style impacts volume and pattern of physical activity (PA) compared with a traditional walking bout. Materials and Methods: Twenty experienced PG players followed a 1.77 km walking loop during two randomly ordered, 30-minute walking conditions: PG and traditional walking. Objective measurement tools (pedometer, accelerometer, heart rate monitor, GPS watch) were used to measure steps, caloric expenditure, intensity, heart rate, and distance traveled, and direct observation was used to determine number of stops and playing style. Results: Most PG players used the intermittent playing style (60%). Traditional walking resulted in significantly greater PA than PG. There was a significant interaction between the PG playing style (continuous, intermittent) and condition (PG, traditional walking). There was no difference in PA variables between continuous and intermittent PG during traditional walking; however, total steps (3394.3 ± 255.8 vs. 2779.1 ± 317.5), aerobic steps (3314.3 ± 318.9 vs. 2387.5 ± 771.8), caloric expenditure (146.00 [130.0-201.3] vs. 110.0 [89.3-132.3 Kcals]), distance (2.4 [2.3-2.6] vs. 2.0 [1.8-2.1 km]), and moderate minutes (29.7 [27.5-29.8] vs. 25.8 [23.1-27.1]) were significantly greater, while sedentary minutes (0.2 [0-1.0] vs. 2.7 [1.7-4.3]) and number of stops (0 [0-0.8] vs. 4.5 [2.3-7.0]) were less, for continuous compared with intermittent PG. There was a main effect of condition on PA for intermittent PG players, but not continuous PG players. Conclusion: Continuous PG produced similar PA to traditional walking, while intermittent PG reduced PA, nevertheless PG may be a strategy for increasing PA participation.

Reinforcing Value of a Moderately Physiologically Challenging Active Videogame Versus a Minimally Challenging Active Videogame

Objective: This study assessed the oxygen consumption [VO₂ mL/(kg·min)], liking, and relative reinforcing (motivating) value (RRV) of a moderately physiologically challenging exergame [Nintendo Wii-Sports Boxing (Boxing)] versus a minimally challenging exergame [Nintendo Wii Lego Star Wars (Lego)]. Materials and Methods: VO₂ and liking were recorded in children(N = 28, 7.8 ± 1.3 years old) during three 10-minute conditions: recumbent resting (Resting), and playing Wii Boxing or Wii Lego. Resting was completed first, and the order of exergames was randomized. Next, children performed an operant button pressing task using a progressive fixed ratio to assess the RRV of the two videogame conditions. Children worked to earn up to 11 minutes for Boxing, Lego, or a combination of the two. The output maximum (O_max) performed to earn access to each game was the measure of RRV. Results: There was a significant (P ≤ 0.03 for all conditions) step-wise increase in VO₂ from Resting [4.3 ± 1.2 mL/(kg·min)] to Lego [5.3 ± 0.5 mL/(kg·min)] and from Lego to Boxing [11.7 ± 4.2 mL/(kg·min)]. Liking was significantly greater for Boxing (P = 0.003) and Lego (P < 0.0001, 7.1 ± 2.9 cm; 7.1 ± 2.7 cm, respectively) versus Resting (4.6 ± 3.8 cm), with no significant difference between Boxing and Lego (P = 0.358). Lastly, O_max was significantly (P = 0.021) greater for Lego (257.7 ± 390.6 presses) than for Boxing (51.7 ± 131.0 presses). Conclusion: Oxygen consumption during Wii Boxing was significantly greater than during Wii Lego. Despite this greater physiological challenge, liking was similar for both Lego and Boxing. However, children were more motivated to play Lego than Boxing.

Evaluation of the exercise intensity generated by active video gaming in patients with cystic fibrosis and healthy individuals

BACKGROUND

Adherence of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) to exercise is challenging. Here we compared the physiological responses during the use of interactive video games (VG) with the cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) in healthy and CF subjects.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study including CF and healthy (CON) subjects older than 6 years. Individuals were evaluated in two visits. At visit one, anthropometric measures, spirometry and CPET were performed. In the second visit, a physical activity questionnaire was applied and gas analyses performed during the use (10 min) of both Nintendo Wii (Wii Fit Plus: (1) Obstacle Course, (2) Rhythm Boxing and (3) Free Run) and Xbox One (Just Dance 2015: (1) Love Me Again, (2) Summer and (3) Happy).

RESULTS

Twenty-five CON and 30 CF patients were included. The mean FEV₁ (%) was significantly lower in the CF group compared to CON. There were no differences between groups at peak exercise (CPET) for heart rate (HR), oxygen consumption (VO₂) and minute ventilation (V_E). In the CON group, games 2 and 3 (Xbox) and game 3 (Nintendo) increased HR to values similar to the anaerobic threshold (AT), while for the CF group this occurred for games 2 (Xbox) and 3 (Nintendo). As for VO₂ and V_E, both groups obtained similar responses as compared to AT values in games 2 (Xbox) and 3 (Nintendo).

CONCLUSION

The use of VG generated a cardiorespiratory response similar to AT levels found during CPET, indicating that it may be an alternative for exercise training of CF individuals.

Active Videogames to Promote Traditional Active Play: Increasing the Reinforcing Value of Active Play Among Low-Active Children

Background: Exercise reinforcement predicts physical activity of children. Repeated exposures of physical activity may increase physical activity reinforcement (incentive sensitization). Active videogame (AVG) play produces light-to-moderate-intensity physical activity. Ideally, AVG play would transition to nonscreen-based active play through incentive sensitization of traditional active play (TAP), providing AVG does not increase sedentary videogame (SVG) reinforcement. Greater autonomy increases motivation toward traditional physical activity, but whether autonomy enhances incentive sensitization has not been studied. Objectives: To determine whether autonomy over AVG play promotes incentive sensitization of TAP or SVG. Methods: Inactive children (ages 8-12; 5th-97th body mass index percentile) were provided with AVG and SVG for 6 weeks and assigned to either a high autonomy (n = 25) or low autonomy (n = 24) group, differentiated by AVG choice and more freedom over amount of play. Both groups played AVG 3 days per week. SVG were played ad libitum. Participants completed an operant responding task to measure the relative reinforcing value (RRV) of AVG versus SVG (RRVAVG vs. SVG) and AVG versus TAP (RRVAVG vs. TAP) at baseline, 6 weeks, and 10 weeks. Results: RRVAVG vs. SVG increased over time (P = 0.056) but did not differ by autonomy or autonomy × time (P = 0.184). RRVAVG vs. TAP decreased over time (P = 0.033) but did not differ by autonomy or autonomy × time (P = 0.73). Conclusion: AVG play does not increase motivation toward SVG and increases motivation to play AVG relative to TAP. Providing higher autonomy did not promote incentive sensitization of play.

Exercise Videogames, Physical Activity, and Health: Wii Heart Fitness: A Randomized Clinical Trial

INTRODUCTION

Adults who engage in regular physical activity have lower rates of morbidity and mortality than those who do not. Exercise videogames may offer an attractive, sustainable alternative or supplement to traditional modes of exercise. This study compared exercise videogames with standard exercise modalities for improving uptake and maintenance of moderate to vigorous physical activity, and health risk indices.

STUDY DESIGN

A three-arm clinical RCT including 12 weeks of supervised laboratory-based moderate to vigorous physical activity followed by 6 months follow-up.

SETTING/PARTICIPANTS

This study was conducted at a university affiliated hospital research lab. Healthy, sedentary adults were eligible.

INTERVENTIONS

This study compared a 12-week program of supervised exercise videogames versus standard exercise (e.g., treadmill) versus control. Data were collected from January 2012 to September 2017 and analyzed in 2018.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was weekly minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity at end of treatment, assessed at 3 and 6 months post-intervention by using self-report and accelerometer data. Health risk indices (e.g., HbA1c, lipids) were also assessed.

RESULTS

Participants (N=283) had an average age of 46.2 ±13.5 years; 79% were female. At end of treatment, those in the exercise videogame arm engaged in 30 minutes/week more moderate to vigorous physical activity compared with standard exercise and 85 more minutes/week than controls (all p<0.05). Exercise videogame participants had greater reductions in cholesterol, HbA1c, and body fat versus other groups. Reductions in cholesterol were twice as large in exercise videogame versus standard participants.

CONCLUSIONS

Exercise videogames produced greater uptake and maintenance of moderate to vigorous physical activity compared with standard exercise and improvements in multiple health risk indices. Exercise videogames may promote sustainable physical activity with significant health benefits.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT03298919.

"Pokémon Go!" May Promote Walking, Discourage Sedentary Behavior in College Students

OBJECTIVE

To assess self-reported walking and sedentary behavior in young adults before and after downloading "Pokémon Go!".

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In September 2016, a sample of 358 (19.8 ± 2.1 years old, n = 187 females) college students who had downloaded "Pokémon Go!" on their cellular telephones (i.e., cell phones) were surveyed for weekly walking and sedentary behavior via the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. A single interview was administered to participants who estimated their walking and sedentary behavior at three time points: the week immediately preceding their download of "Pokémon Go!" (Baseline), the first week after downloading the game (Time 1), and the week the survey was completed (Time 2). Differences in self-reported physical activity and sedentary behavior across the three time points and across the two genders were compared via analyses of variance.

RESULTS

There was a significant main effect of time (F ≥ 49.3, P ≤ 0.001) for walking and sedentary behavior. Participants reported greater (t ≥ 9.5, P < 0.001) daily walking during Time 1 (218.6 ± 156.3 minutes) and Time 2 (182.7 ± 172.1 minutes) versus the baseline (108.5 ± 110.8 minutes). Walking behavior was also significantly greater (t = 4.1, P < 0.001) at Time 1 versus Time 2. Participants reported greater (t ≥ 6.5, P < 0.001) daily sedentary behavior during baseline (346.6 ± 201.3 minutes) versus both Time 1 (261.7 ± 172.4 minutes) and Time 2 (284.3 ± 175.4 minutes). Sedentary behavior was also significantly greater (t = 2.6, P = 0.03) at Time 2 versus Time 1. There were no effects of gender (F ≤ 1.8, P ≥ 0.17).

CONCLUSION

Playing "Pokémon Go!" was associated with increased self-reported walking and decreased sedentary behavior. Such games hold promise as technology that may promote physical activity and discourage sedentary behavior.

Physiological Responses and Hedonics During Prolonged Physically Interactive Videogame Play

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to assess physiologic responses and hedonics (i.e., liking) during prolonged physically interactive videogame play.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Participants (n = 24) completed three 30-minute videogame conditions on separate days in a random order. During two of the conditions participants played physically interactive videogames (Nintendo of America, Inc. [Redmond, WA] "Wii™ Fit" "Basic Run" and "Basic Step"). During the third condition participants played a traditional/sedentary game ("Tanks!"), which required minimal physical movement for gameplay. Oxygen consumption (VO2) was assessed using indirect calorimetry throughout each condition and averaged every 5 minutes. Liking was assessed via visual analog scale at the 15- and 30-minute time points during each condition.

RESULTS

Mean VO2 was significantly (P < 0.001) greater during "Basic Run" (16.14 ± 5.8 mL/kg/minute, 4.6 ± 1.7 metabolic equivalents [METs]) than either "Basic Step" (11.4 ± 1.7 mL/kg/minute, 3.3 ± 0.5 METs) or the traditional/sedentary videogame (5.39 ± 1.0 mL/kg/minute, 1.5 ± 0.1 METs). "Basic Step" was also greater (P < 0.001) than the traditional/sedentary game. VO2 did not significantly (P = 0.25) fluctuate across the 30-minute session for any game. In other words, participants maintained a consistent physiologic intensity throughout each 30-minute condition. There were no differences (P ≥ 0.20) across gaming conditions or time for liking.

CONCLUSIONS

Participants achieved and maintained moderate-intensity physical activity (≥3.0 METs) during both 30-minute physically interactive videogame conditions. Furthermore, because liking was similar across all gaming conditions, participants may be willing to substitute the physically interactive videogames in place of the traditional/sedentary game.