Can using exergames improve physical fitness? A 12-week randomized controlled trial. (May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Huang, Han-Chung; Wong, May-Kuen; Lu, Ju; Huang, Wei-Fan; Teng, Ching-I
• Is Part Of: Computers in human behavior. Volume 70(2017)
• Page Start: 310
• Page End: 316
• Publication Date: 2017-05
• Subjects: Exergame -- Physical fitness -- Randomized controlled trial -- Youth -- Exercise; Interactive computer systems -- Periodicals; Man-machine systems -- Periodicals; 004.019
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2016.12.086
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0747-5632

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: To examine whether playing exergames improves physical fitness in young adults; and whether such an improvement depends on their previous participation in other forms of exercise. Design, setting, and participants: This study was a randomized controlled trial, which enrolled 117 college students from January to April 2014, who were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 55) or a control group (n = 62). Among them, 113 (96.6%) completed participation in this study. Intervention: The 12-week exergame program included the use of exergames for 30 min, three times a week, and an examination of physical fitness before and after the program. Results: Exergames improved normalized diastolic blood pressure, sit-up tests and 3-min step tests, but increased body fat percentage. In addition to the main effects, for participants who had previously engaged in other forms of exercise of 120 min or more per week, playing exergames improved performance in normalized diastolic blood pressure, sit-up tests, push-ups, and 3-min step tests. For participants previously engaging in other forms of exercise of less than 120 min per week, playing exergames improved performance in sit-up tests, and response time. Conclusions: Using exergames may improve physical fitness among young adults. Highlights: This study examines whether playing exergames improves physical fitness. Moderator role of previous participation in other forms of exercise was examined. Exergames improve a number of indices for physical fitness. Previous participation in other forms of exercise moderates such improvements.