Is exergaming a viable exercise option for obese black women?

Physical inactivity and obesity, which are disproportionately higher in Black women, are known risk factors of breast cancer. Novel methods to address this public health concern involve leveraging screen-viewing activities to reduce sedentary behavior and increase energy expenditure levels. Exergaming has demonstrated efficacy in increasing physical activity levels, yet no studies have examined exergaming in overweight/obese Black women. The primary objective of this study was to examine the effect of exergaming on anthropometric markers among overweight/obese Black women.

This study was a 2-arm, 6-month randomized controlled trial examining the efficacy of exergaming in improving obesity-related anthropometric markers among overweight and obese Black women (n = 100). Participants randomized to the exergaming condition (n = 50) engaged in supervised exergaming activities (i.e., Nintendo Wii Fit/X-box Kinect for 3 days/week; 60-min), while the control group (n = 50) maintained current physical activity levels. Assessments on anthropometric variables, physical activity, medical history and sociodemographic variables were completed at baseline, 3-, and 6-months. Two-sample t-tests were used to examine group differences in outcome variables at 6 months.

There were no significant between-group differences observed in waist circumference (108.7(14.6) cm vs 107.2(14.8) cm), fat mass (44.3(12.8) kg vs 46.1(12.5) kg) or lean mass (47.0(6.9) kg vs 48.2(4.7) kg) at 6-months.

Exergaming did not demonstrate efficacy in improving obesity-related anthropometric markers in overweight/obese Black women. Exergaming is not a viable exercise for obese women. Future studies should consider pairing exergaming with traditional exercises (i.e., variety support) and exploring other factors related to energy expenditure (e.g., motivation, enjoyment).