Direct observation of children's preferences and activity levels during interactive and on-line electronic games

Abstract

Introduction: Interactive electronic games have recently been popularized, and are believed to help promote children’s physical activity. Objective: To examine preferences and physical activity levels during interactive and on-line electronic games among overweight and non-overweight boys and girls. Methods: We systematically observed 70 children, aged 9-12 years, during two 60-min recreation sessions and recorded their game mode choices and physical activity levels. During Session I children could play either an interactive or an on-line electronic bowling game and during Session II they could play an interactive or an on-line electronic running game. Results: Children chose the interactive versions of games about half the time. The proportion of time they spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was significantly higher during interactive games compared with their on-line electronic counterparts (70% vs. 2% of game time). Boys and non-overweight children expended more energy during the interactive games than girls and overweight children, respectively. Conclusions: New-generation interactive games can facilitate physical activity in children, and given the opportunity children may select them over sedentary versions. Copyright © 2009 Published by Elsevier Ltd