Only lower limb controlled interactive computer gaming enables an effective increase in energy expenditure

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Human Movement Science
• Interactive Technology

Background:

• Limited research exists on the energy expenditure and cardio-respiratory effects of interactive computer gaming (exergaming) compared to traditional exercise.
• Understanding the physiological impact of exergaming is crucial for its integration into fitness regimens.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the energy expenditure (EE) and cardio-respiratory costs of various exergaming and traditional exercise modalities.
• To determine if interactive gaming can meet established physical activity guidelines.

Main Methods:

• Healthy male volunteers (n=15) participated in six 12-min test elements: PlayStation 2 (PS2) with hand control, Nintendo Wii boxing, walking, cycling, PS2 with lower limb control (PS2(limb)), and running.
• Participants also engaged in a 30-min PS2(limb) session and an incremental treadmill test to exhaustion.
• Repeated measures ANOVA was used for data analysis.

Main Results:

• PS2(limb) significantly increased EE and post-exercise blood lactate (BLa) compared to PS2(hand), Wii boxing, and walking (P < 0.001).
• EE during PS2(limb) was over six times greater than PS2(hand).
• PS2(limb) met American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines for cardiovascular fitness, while current Wii technology did not.

Conclusions:

• Interactive gaming technology that incorporates lower limb movement provides a significant exercise stimulus.
• Exergaming adaptations are necessary to achieve comparable physiological benefits to traditional exercise.
• Future exergaming designs should prioritize full-body engagement for effective cardio-respiratory improvements.