A Descriptive Study of Objectively Measured Pokémon GO Playtime in College Students

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Mobile Gaming
• Public Health

Background:

• Pokémon GO, launched in July 2016, is a popular mobile game.
• Unlike many games, it necessitates physical activity.
• The impact of Pokémon GO on physical activity levels remains understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the physical activity demands of playing Pokémon GO.
• To assess the contribution of a 60-minute gameplay session to physical activity.

Main Methods:

• 27 recreationally active college students (19 female) participated.
• Activity was measured using accelerometers, pedometers, and heart rate monitors.
• Troiano accelerometer cut points were used to classify activity intensity.

Main Results:

• 82% of gameplay time involved moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA).
• Pedometer data indicated approximately 6000 steps per 100 minutes, signifying moderate activity.
• Heart rate data showed approximately 50% of age-predicted maximum, also indicating moderate intensity.

Conclusions:

• One hour of Pokémon GO effectively promotes moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.
• Playing Pokémon GO can contribute to achieving recommended daily and weekly physical activity targets.
• This study provides evidence for Pokémon GO as a tool for increasing physical activity.