The Influence of Active Gaming on Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Black and Hispanic Youth |
| |
| Authors: | Rachel M. Flynn PhD Amanda E. Staiano PhD Robbie Beyl PhD Rebekah A. Richert PhD Ellen Wartella PhD Sandra L. Calvert PhD |
| |
| Affiliation: | 1. Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 633 North St. Clair, Chicago, IL 60611;2. Pediatric Obesity and Health Behavior Laboratory, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, 6400 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70808;3. Pennington Biomedical Research Center, 6400 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70808;4. University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521;5. Communications Studies, Northwestern University, 2240 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60208;6. Children's Digital Media Center, Georgetown University, 302B White‐Gravenor, 37th and O Streets, N.W. Washington, DC 20057 |
| |
| 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: | video games cardiorespiratory fitness physical fitness adolescent |
|
|
