Abstract
Purpose
Exergame use (or active video games that promote physical activity [PA]) has the potential
to increase PA in youth, but there is a scarcity of information about PA of youth
who are current exergamers. The current study examined PA behaviors in exergamers
versus nonexergamers.
Methods
Adolescents (N = 2,793; mean age = 14.4 ± 2.0 years) participating in EAT 2010 (Eating
and Activity in Teens) self-reported sociodemographic characteristics and exergaming
and PA behavior. Height and weight were measured.
Results
Both male and female exergamers tended to be younger and black compared with nonexergamers
(p < .001). Generally, exergamers did not report significantly more PA than nonexergamers,
except for female exergamers who engaged in more vigorous PA than female nonexergamers
(p < .01; 1.3 ± .05 h/wk vs. 1.6 ± .06 h/wk, respectively).
Conclusions
PA behavior in exergamers is similar to PA behavior in nonexergamers. However, when
targeting vigorous PA, exergaming may be an innovative and appealing intervention
strategy for adolescent girls.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
December 14,
2017
Received:
March 20,
2017
Footnotes
Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no financial relationships relevant to this article to disclose.
Identification
Copyright
© 2018 Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. All rights reserved.
