Reinforcing Value of a Moderately Physiologically Challenging Active Videogame Versus a Minimally Challenging Active...

This study assessed the oxygen consumption [VO₂ mL/(kg·min)], liking, and relative reinforcing (motivating) value (RRV) of a moderately physiologically challenging exergame [Nintendo Wii-Sports Boxing (Boxing)] versus a minimally challenging exergame [Nintendo Wii Lego Star Wars (Lego)]. VO₂ and liking were recorded in children(N = 28, 7.8 ± 1.3 years old) during three 10-minute conditions: recumbent resting (Resting), and playing Wii Boxing or Wii Lego. Resting was completed first, and the order of exergames was randomized. Next, children performed an operant button pressing task using a progressive fixed ratio to assess the RRV of the two videogame conditions. Children worked to earn up to 11 minutes for Boxing, Lego, or a combination of the two. The output maximum (O_max) performed to earn access to each game was the measure of RRV. There was a significant (P ≤ 0.03 for all conditions) step-wise increase in VO₂ from Resting [4.3 ± 1.2 mL/(kg·min)] to Lego [5.3 ± 0.5 mL/(kg·min)] and from Lego to Boxing [11.7 ± 4.2 mL/(kg·min)]. Liking was significantly greater for Boxing (P = 0.003) and Lego (P < 0.0001, 7.1 ± 2.9 cm; 7.1 ± 2.7 cm, respectively) versus Resting (4.6 ± 3.8 cm), with no significant difference between Boxing and Lego (P = 0.358). Lastly, O_max was significantly (P = 0.021) greater for Lego (257.7 ± 390.6 presses) than for Boxing (51.7 ± 131.0 presses). Oxygen consumption during Wii Boxing was significantly greater than during Wii Lego. Despite this greater physiological challenge, liking was similar for both Lego and Boxing. However, children were more motivated to play Lego than Boxing.