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Calculating Heart Rate Variability from ECG Data from Youth with Cerebral Palsy During Active Video Game Sessions
Published on: June 5, 2019
Energy expenditure while playing active and inactive video games.
Scott T Leatherdale1, Sarah J Woodruff, Stephen R Manske
1Department of Population Studies and Surveillance, Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada. scott.leatherdale@cancercare.on.ca
American Journal of Health Behavior
|August 12, 2009
Summary
Playing active video games significantly increases energy expenditure compared to inactive video games. This suggests active video games could help combat sedentary behavior in students.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Behavioral Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Sedentary screen-based behaviors are prevalent among students.
- Traditional video gaming contributes to a sedentary lifestyle.
- Novel approaches are needed to increase physical activity in this demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify and compare energy expenditure (EE) during active versus inactive video gaming (VG).
- To assess the potential of active VG as a tool for increasing EE in undergraduate students.
Main Methods:
- Fifty-one undergraduate students participated in the study in Ontario, Canada.
- Energy expenditure was measured using heart rate monitors and SenseWear armbands.
- Participants engaged in both active and inactive video gaming sessions.
Main Results:
- Active VG significantly increased predicted EE compared to inactive VG.
- Heart rate monitor data showed higher EE for active VG (97.4 kcal) versus inactive VG (64.7 kcal).
- SenseWear armband data indicated substantially higher EE for active VG (192.4 kcal) versus inactive VG (42.3 kcal).
Conclusions:
- Active video games present a feasible method for enhancing energy expenditure in students.
- This approach may help mitigate risks associated with prolonged sedentary screen time.
- Active VG could be integrated into strategies to promote physical activity among young adults.
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