Pokémon GO and Physical Activity in Asia: Multilevel Study.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Physical activity is crucial for a healthy lifestyle, yet effective global promotion strategies remain elusive.
• Augmented reality games like Pokémon GO have been anecdotally linked to increased physical activity, but require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationship between Pokémon GO usage and players' physical activity levels.
• To determine how this relationship differs across individuals with varying baseline physical activity.

Main Methods:

• A field study in Hong Kong involving 210 participants (aged 13-65) who played Pokémon GO.
• Collected data on Pokémon GO behavior, daily walking/running distances (via mobile phones), demographics, and built environment.
• Utilized multilevel modeling to analyze predictors of physical activity changes over 35 days (14 days pre- to 21 days post-installation).

Main Results:

• Average daily walking and running distances increased by 18.1% (0.96 km) in the 21 days post-Pokémon GO installation, but this effect diminished over time.
• The positive association between Pokémon GO and physical activity was stronger and more sustained in less physically active players.
• Playing Pokémon GO in green spaces showed a significant positive correlation with increased physical activity.

Conclusions:

• Pokémon GO is associated with short-term increases in physical activity, particularly benefiting less active individuals.
• The game can foster connections between people and green spaces, encouraging physical activity.
• Location-based augmented reality games represent a promising avenue for global public health interventions.