Metabolic requirements of interactive video game cycling

Interactive video game exercise leads to improved exercise adherence and health-related physical fitness in comparison to traditional stationary cycling. It has been postulated that interactive video game exercise has greater metabolic requirements than traditional cycling; however, this has not been tested to date.

To examine the metabolic requirements of interactive video game exercise in comparison to traditional stationary cycling at matched incremental workloads.

Fourteen participants (seven males and seven females) were examined during three separate sessions: 1) incremental cycle ergometer exercise for the assessment of maximal aerobic power and peak workload; 2) traditional cycling on a cycle ergometer using 5-min constant workloads of 25%, 50%, and 75% of maximal power output; and 3) cycling using identical constant, relative workloads while playing interactive video games. Measurements of oxygen consumption, heart rate, and rating of perceived exertion were assessed throughout.

During interactive video game exercise, steady-state heart rate (26% +/- 18% and 14% +/- 13%), energy expenditure (61% +/- 41% and 25% +/- 21%), and oxygen consumption (34% +/- 17% and 18% +/- 12%) were significantly higher at the constant submaximal workloads of 25% and 50%, respectively. There was no significant difference in rating of perceived exertion between conditions at any workload.

Interactive video game cycling results in greater metabolic requirements (despite similar perceptions of exertion) at submaximal constant workloads than traditional cycling. This form of training may be a novel and an attractive intervention in the battle against physical inactivity and associated health complications.