Active Video Games Versus Traditional Exercises: Energy Expenditure and Blood Lactate Responses

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Human Movement

Background:

• Active video games (AVGs) are emerging as a potential tool for physical activity.
• Understanding the physiological demands of AVGs is crucial for their integration into training regimens.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the exercise intensity and characteristics of AVGs by measuring physiological responses.
• To determine the suitability of AVGs for inclusion in sports training programs.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-two male athletes with high aerobic fitness participated.
• Physiological data including oxygen consumption (VO2), heart rate (HR), and energy expenditure (EE) were recorded during brisk walking, running, AVG dancing, and AVG fighting (20 minutes each).
• Calculated metrics included VO2max percentage, metabolic equivalent (MET), and EE.

Main Results:

• AVG dancing showed no significant difference compared to brisk walking in VO2, HR, MET, or EE, indicating moderate intensity.
• AVG fighting demonstrated no significant difference compared to running in VO2, HR, MET, or EE, indicating high intensity.
• Both AVG dancing and fighting were classified as intermittent exercises.

Conclusions:

• AVG dancing provides moderate-intensity exercise (MET > 7).
• AVG fighting provides high-intensity exercise (MET > 9).
• AVGs can be effectively integrated into athletic training as enjoyable alternative exercises, depending on the specific game chosen.