Active Videogaming and Children

A recent study in the Journal of Pediatrics indicated the benefits of exergaming for children.  The researchers studied 15 children, ages 9-11 years old, participating in high intensity exergaming, low intensity exergaming and a graded exercise test on a treadmill.  The results indicated the following:

• high intensity exergaming (Kinect hurdles) was equivalent to moderate intensity exercise
• low intensity exergaming (Kinect bowling) was equivalent to low intensity exercise
• high intensity exergaming significantly reduced flow mediated dilation (vascular response) 
• high intensity gaming increased heart rate and the amount of energy burned.

Reference:  Andrew Mills, BSc, Michael Rosenberg, PhD, Gareth Stratton, PhD, Howard H. Carter, BSc, Angela L. Spence, BSc, Christopher JA Pugh, PhD, Daniel J. Green, PhD, and Louise H. Naylor, PhD. "The Effect of Exergaming on Vascular Function in Children," The Journal of Pediatrics, DOI 10.1016/j.jpeds.2013.03.076