Study: Video Games Provide High-Energy Workout
Reported November 19, 2009
(Ivanhoe Newswire) — Having the Wii gaming system at home may give you another reason not to go to the gym.
A new study funded by Nintendo shows active games like Wii Sports and Wii Fit provide energy expenditure similar to exercising at a moderately intense pace elsewhere.
Researchers say one-third of the virtual physical activities in the games require an energy expenditure of 3.0 METs or above, which is considered moderate-intensity exercise. Researchers say adults need at least two and a half hours of moderate intensity aerobic physical activity every week to reduce risks of adverse health outcomes.
“Energy expenditure is the most important information to measure the effect of video games,” Motohiko Miyachi, Ph.D., lead author of the study and Project Leader of Project for Physical Activity in the Health Promotion and Exercise Program at the National Institute of Health and Nutrition in Tokyo, Japan was quoted as saying.
Miyachi recommends active games, like the Wii sports and Wii fit, over sedentary video games. Researchers say some physical activity is better than none.
SOURCE: American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions, 2009
