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"Alien Health": A Nutrition Instruction Exergame Using the Kinect Sensor
Mina C Johnson-Glenberg1, Caroline Savio-Ramos2, Hue Henry2
1Learning Sciences Institute, Arizona State University , Tempe, Arizona. ; T. Denny School of Social and Family Dynamics, Arizona State University , Tempe, Arizona.
Games for Health Journal
|August 2, 2014
Summary
This study found that an exergame teaching nutrition and USDA MyPlate guidelines improved knowledge retention in students. The game, incorporating cardio exercises, showed promising results for consolidating nutrition content memory.
Area of Science:
- Educational Technology
- Nutrition Education
- Kinesiology
Background:
- Existing nutrition education methods may not fully engage students.
- Embodied exergame technology offers a novel approach to learning.
- The "Alien Health" game was previously developed for an immersive platform.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and efficacy of a Kinect-based exergame for nutrition education.
- To teach 4th-12th grade students about nutrition and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) MyPlate guidelines.
- To evaluate knowledge retention of nutrition concepts through gameplay and exercise.
Main Methods:
- A feasibility study was conducted with 20 6th and 7th graders.
- Participants were randomly assigned to an "Alien Health" exergame group or a control group.
- The experimental group played the Kinect-based game with automated feedback, while the control group engaged in similar activities without exercise.
Main Results:
- Both groups showed significant immediate learning gains in nutrition knowledge.
- The experimental group demonstrated superior knowledge retention from posttest to 2-week follow-up (effect size 1.14 vs. 0.83).
- Nutrition knowledge continued to increase in the experimental group during the follow-up period.
Conclusions:
- The Kinect-based exergame is acceptable and feasible for nutrition instruction.
- The game shows limited efficacy but potential for improving nutrition knowledge and retention.
- Integrating short cardio exercises and game narratives may enhance content memory consolidation.
