Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2018 Oct;88(10):768-775.
doi: 10.1111/josh.12679.

The Influence of Active Gaming on Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Black and Hispanic Youth

Rachel M Flynn  1 , Amanda E Staiano  2 , Robbie Beyl  3 , Rebekah A Richert  4 , Ellen Wartella  5 , Sandra L Calvert  6
Affiliations

The Influence of Active Gaming on Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Black and Hispanic Youth

Rachel M Flynn et al. J Sch Health. 2018 Oct.

Abstract

Background: Youth in the United States have low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness, a risk factor for childhood obesity. Lower levels of physical fitness for black and Hispanic youth contribute to health disparities. In this feasibility study, we examined active video games (AVGs) as a tool to improve fitness and attitudes toward physical activity during early adolescence.

Method: A 6-week AVG program took place in a youth development program in a high-poverty neighborhood in New York City. Youth aged 10 to 15 years (50% overweight or obese) participated in 2 fitness tests and completed surveys that captured barriers to physical activity pre- and postintervention. Each week, participants played Wii Fit games for 30 minutes.

Results: Participants improved the number of sit-ups and step-ups they completed from pre- to postintervention (p < .05). Participants also increased their self-efficacy, intention to exercise and perceived social support to exercise (p < .05). Youth reported a high level of enjoyment and perceived Wii Fit as ways to increase physical fitness and increase their physical activity.

Conclusion: AVGs may be a viable alternative exercise program to increase physical activity for black and Hispanic youth living in poverty-impacted neighborhoods.

Keywords: adolescent; cardiorespiratory fitness; physical fitness; video games.

PubMed Disclaimer

Similar articles

See all similar articles

Cited by

See all "Cited by" articles

References

    1. Troiano RP, Berrigan D, Dodd KW, Masse LC, Tilert T, McDowell M. Physical activity in the United States measured by accelerometer. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2008;40(1):181–188. - PubMed
    1. US Department of Health and Human Services. 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Washington, DC: US Government Printing Office; 2008.
    1. Jimenez-Pavon D, Kelly J, Reilly JJ. Associations between objectively measured habitual physical activity and adiposity in children and adolescents: systematic review. Int J Pediatr Obes. 2010;5(1):3–18. - PubMed
    1. Daniels SR. Complications of obesity in children and adolescents. Int J of Obes. 2009;33(S1):S60–65. - PubMed
    1. Lo JC, Chandra M, Sinaiko A, Daniels SR, Prineas RJ, Maring B, et al. Severe obesity in children: prevalence, persistence and relation to hypertension. Int J Pediatr Endocrinol. 2014;2014(1):3. - PMC - PubMed

Publication types