What Are the Benefits of a Commercial Exergaming Platform for College Students? Examining Physical Activity, Enjoyment, and Future Intentions

Background:Traditional videogames contribute to sedentary behaviors; in contrast, exergaming is a relatively new concept that uses videogames to promote exercise during game play. Nintendo Wii Fit is a commercially popular exergaming platform geared toward improving fitness, however, limited empirical evidence related to the physical and mental benefits of the Wii Fit platform currently exist. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate possible physical and motivational benefits of Nintendo Wii Fit.Methods:A repeated measures design was used with 30 college-aged students to explore physical activity, enjoyment, and future intentions of physical activity associated with Wii Fit exergames.Results:Data supported the efficacy of Wii Fit Basic Run to consistently produce moderate to vigorous physical activity across participants. Future intentions were higher for exergaming compared with generic exercise and obese individuals enjoyed exergaming more than generic physical activity.Conclusions:The Basic Run Wii Fit game provided opportunities for accumulating moderate to vigorous physical activity that provided motivational benefits to these participants, especially those classified as obese. Future research should examine the ability of Wii Fit exergames to produce physical activity and motivation over time.

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Potential Benefits of Nintendo Wii Fit Among People with Multiple Sclerosis

International Journal of MS Care ◽

10.7224/1537-2073-13.1.21 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

pp. 21-30 ◽

Cited By ~ 27

Author(s):

Matthew Plow ◽

Marcia Finlayson

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Short Form ◽

Control Period ◽

Exercise Program ◽

Nintendo Wii ◽

Repeated Measures Design ◽

Wii Fit ◽

Nintendo Wii Fit

We examined the potential of Nintendo Wii Fit (Nintendo Co, Ltd, Kyoto, Japan) to increase physical activity (PA) behavior and health among people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The study consisted of a repeated-measures design with a baseline control period and involved 30 people with MS who had the ability to walk 25 feet with or without a cane (26 individuals were included in the analyses). Nintendo Wii was set up in the homes of participants, who were prescribed a Wii Fit exercise program lasting 14 weeks, 3 days a week. The Physical Activity and Disability Survey, Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, and 36-item Short Form Health Status Survey were administered three times before participants gained access to Wii Fit (control period, at 2-week intervals), and three times after they received Wii Fit (posttest 1: immediately after; posttest 2: 7 weeks after; posttest 3: 14 weeks after). Mobility, balance, strength, and weight were assessed at the first pretest, immediately prior to obtaining access to Wii Fit, and 7 weeks after obtaining access to Wii Fit. Results from the questionnaires indicated that PA significantly improved at week 7, but at week 14, PA levels declined relative to week 7 and the difference was no longer significant compared with the control period. Physical assessments indicated that balance and strength significantly improved at week 7. One adverse event was reported (repetitive knee injury). Physical assessments indicated that people with MS may be able to improve their fitness levels by using Wii Fit. Future studies should incorporate behavior change strategies to promote long-term use of Wii Fit, and explore whether individuals with more severe symptoms of MS can safely use Wii Fit.

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Tracking Children’s Physical Activity Patterns across the School Year: A Mixed-Methods Longitudinal Case Study

Children ◽

10.3390/children7100178 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (10) ◽

pp. 178

Author(s):

Irfan Khawaja ◽

Lorayne Woodfield ◽

Peter Collins ◽

Adam Benkwitz ◽

Alan Nevill

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Mixed Methods ◽

Focus Groups ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Activity Patterns ◽

Positioning Systems ◽

Repeated Measures Design ◽

School Year

Despite the breadth of health benefits associated with regular physical activity (PA), many children in the UK are not sufficiently active enough to meet health guidelines, and tend to become less active as they mature into and throughout adolescence. Research has indicated that children’s school, home and neighbourhood environments can all significantly influence their opportunities to engage in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). However, less is known about how children’s MVPA patterns within these key environments may change across the school year. The current mixed-methods case study aims to explore this issue by tracking key stage 2 (KS2) and key stage 3 (KS3) children’s MVPA patterns across the school year. Fifty-eight children (29 boys, 29 girls, KS2 = 34, KS3 = 24) wore an integrated global positioning systems (GPS) and heart rate (HR) monitor over four consecutive days in the first term of school (autumn), before these measurements were repeated in the two remaining school terms (winter–summer). A subsample of children (n = 6–8 per group) were invited to take part in one of six focus groups each term to further explore their PA behaviours and identify the barriers and facilitators to PA. The children’s MVPA was significantly lower (p = 0.046) in term 2 (winter/spring term) than during the warmer terms (autumn and summer). All the locations showed reductions in MVPA in term 2, except indoor MVPA, which increased, and MVPA on foot in the neighbourhood, which remained consistent. Focus groups revealed location, friends, and the variety of options to be associated with MVPA, and poor weather, parental permission, and time limitations to be barriers to MVPA. This mixed-methodological, repeated-measures design study highlights differences in the activity patterns and perceptions of children over the school year. Future studies should implement longitudinal, multi-method approaches to gain deeper insight into how children’s PA behaviours differ over time. Consequently, this can inform future health policies promoting children’s PA throughout the year.

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Longitudinal Trajectories of Children’s Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors on Weekdays and Weekends

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.2019-0128 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (12) ◽

pp. 1123-1128 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Peng Zhang ◽

Jung Eun Lee ◽

David F. Stodden ◽

Zan Gao

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Sedentary Time ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

First Year ◽

Sedentary Behaviors ◽

Light Physical Activity ◽

Initial Sample ◽

Second Year ◽

Children’S Physical Activity

Background: The objective was to examine changes of children’s time spent in sedentary, light physical activity, moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and estimated energy expenditure (EE) rates during weekdays and weekends across 3 years. Methods: An initial sample of 261 children’s (mean age = 7.81 y) 5-day physical activity and EE were assessed annually via accelerometry across 3 years using repeated-measures multivariate analysis of variance. The outcome variables were time spent in sedentary, light physical activity, MVPA, and kilocalories per day for weekdays and weekends. Results: A significant decrease in MVPA and EE occurred during weekdays across the 3 years (P = .01). Only the second-year data demonstrated an increase (+2.49 min) in weekend MVPA (P = .04). Children’s sedentary time during weekdays increased significantly in years 1 and 2 (P = .01), yet significantly decreased in the third year (−44.31 min). Children’s sedentary time during weekends significantly decreased in the first year (−27.31 min), but increased in the following 2 years (P = .01). Children’s light physical activity demonstrated a statistically significant increase in year 2 (+3.75 min) during weekdays (P = .05). Conclusions: Children’s MVPA and EE generally declined during weekdays but were maintained during weekends across a 3-year time span. Children may benefit most from weekday intervention strategies.

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Six Weeks of Unsupervised Nintendo Wii Fit Gaming Is Effective at Improving Balance in Independent Older Adults

Journal of Aging and Physical Activity ◽

10.1123/japa.2013-0148 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 23 (1) ◽

pp. 153-158 ◽

Cited By ~ 36

Author(s):

Vaughan Patrick Nicholson ◽

Mark McKean ◽

John Lowe ◽

Christine Fawcett ◽

Brendan Burkett

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Comparison Group ◽

Balance Training ◽

Exercise Program ◽

Nintendo Wii ◽

Timed Up And Go ◽

Wii Fit ◽

Nintendo Wii Fit ◽

Retirement Village

Objective:To determine the effectiveness of unsupervised Nintendo Wii Fit balance training in older adults.Methods:Forty-one older adults were recruited from local retirement villages and educational settings to participate in a six-week two-group repeated measures study. The Wii group (n = 19, 75 ± 6 years) undertook 30 min of unsupervised Wii balance gaming three times per week in their retirement village while the comparison group (n = 22, 74 ± 5 years) continued with their usual exercise program. Participants’ balance abilities were assessed pre- and postintervention.Results:The Wii Fit group demonstrated significant improvements (P < .05) in timed up-and-go, left single-leg balance, lateral reach (left and right), and gait speed compared with the comparison group. Reported levels of enjoyment following game play increased during the study.Conclusion:Six weeks of unsupervised Wii balance training is an effective modality for improving balance in independent older adults.

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Power of Modified Brown-Forsythe and Mixed-Model Approaches in Split-Plot Designs

Methodology ◽

10.1027/1614-2241/a000124 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

pp. 9-22 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Pablo Livacic-Rojas ◽

Guillermo Vallejo ◽

Paula Fernández ◽

Ellián Tuero-Herrero

Keyword(s):

Repeated Measures ◽

Statistical Power ◽

Mixed Model ◽

Covariance Structure ◽

Simulation Method ◽

Future Research ◽

Repeated Measures Design ◽

Fixed And Random Effects ◽

Split Plot ◽

High Level

Abstract. Low precision of the inferences of data analyzed with univariate or multivariate models of the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) in repeated-measures design is associated to the absence of normality distribution of data, nonspherical covariance structures and free variation of the variance and covariance, the lack of knowledge of the error structure underlying the data, and the wrong choice of covariance structure from different selectors. In this study, levels of statistical power presented the Modified Brown Forsythe (MBF) and two procedures with the Mixed-Model Approaches (the Akaike’s Criterion, the Correctly Identified Model [CIM]) are compared. The data were analyzed using Monte Carlo simulation method with the statistical package SAS 9.2, a split-plot design, and considering six manipulated variables. The results show that the procedures exhibit high statistical power levels for within and interactional effects, and moderate and low levels for the between-groups effects under the different conditions analyzed. For the latter, only the Modified Brown Forsythe shows high level of power mainly for groups with 30 cases and Unstructured (UN) and Autoregressive Heterogeneity (ARH) matrices. For this reason, we recommend using this procedure since it exhibits higher levels of power for all effects and does not require a matrix type that underlies the structure of the data. Future research needs to be done in order to compare the power with corrected selectors using single-level and multilevel designs for fixed and random effects.

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Cardiorespiratory and metabolic responses to the Nintendo Wii Fit aerobics

10.31979/etd.2q8q-w7nb ◽

2010 ◽

Author(s):

Ashaleigh Parker

Keyword(s):

Metabolic Responses ◽

Nintendo Wii ◽

Wii Fit ◽

Nintendo Wii Fit

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Annual rhythms in adults’ lifestyle and health (ARIA): protocol for a 12-month longitudinal study examining temporal patterns in weight, activity, diet, and wellbeing in Australian adults

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-020-10054-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Rachel G. Curtis ◽

Timothy Olds ◽

François Fraysse ◽

Dorothea Dumuid ◽

Gilly A. Hendrie ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Body Weight ◽

Weight Gain ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Activity Patterns ◽

Intervention Strategy ◽

Temporal Patterns ◽

Trial Registration ◽

Multi Level

Abstract Background Almost one in three Australian adults are now obese, and the rate continues to rise. The causes of obesity are multifaceted and include environmental, cultural and lifestyle factors. Emerging evidence suggests there may be temporal patterns in weight gain related, for example, to season and major festivals such as Christmas, potentially due to changes in diet, daily activity patterns or both. The aim of this study is to track the annual rhythm in body weight, 24 h activity patterns, dietary patterns, and wellbeing in a cohort of Australian adults. In addition, through data linkage with a concurrent children’s cohort study, we aim to examine whether changes in children’s body mass index, activity and diet are related to those of their parents. Methods A community-based sample of 375 parents aged 18 to 65 years old, residing in or near Adelaide, Australia, and who have access to a Bluetooth-enabled mobile device or a computer and home internet, will be recruited. Across a full year, daily activities (minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity, light physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep) will be measured using wrist-worn accelerometry (Fitbit Charge 3). Body weight will be measured daily using Fitbit wifi scales. Self-reported dietary intake (Dietary Questionnaire for Epidemiological Studies V3.2), and psychological wellbeing (WHOQOL-BREF and DASS-21) will be assessed eight times throughout the 12-month period. Annual patterns in weight will be examined using Lowess curves. Associations between changes in weight and changes in activity and diet compositions will be examined using repeated measures multi-level models. The associations between parent’s and children’s weight, activity and diet will be investigated using multi-level models. Discussion Temporal factors, such as day type (weekday or weekend day), cultural celebrations and season, may play a key role in weight gain. The aim is to identify critical opportunities for intervention to assist the prevention of weight gain. Family-based interventions may be an important intervention strategy. Trial registration Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, identifier ACTRN12619001430123. Prospectively registered on 16 October 2019.

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Feasibility of a Digital Intervention to Promote Healthy Weight Management among Postpartum African American/Black Women

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18042178 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (4) ◽

pp. 2178

Author(s):

Melissa A. Napolitano ◽

Cherise B. Harrington ◽

Loral Patchen ◽

Lindsey P. Ellis ◽

Tony Ma ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

African American ◽

Black Women ◽

Vegetable Intake ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Future Research ◽

Healthy Weight ◽

Weight Outcomes ◽

Postpartum Weight ◽

American Black

The study aim was to implement and evaluate the feasibility of a culturally informed (“BeFAB”) app for African American/Black women to address postpartum weight. Women (n = 136; mean age = 27.8 ± 5.4; mean BMI = 32.5 ± 4.3) were recruited from postpartum units, and randomly assigned to receive BeFAB (n = 65) or usual care (n = 71) for 12 weeks. App content included didactic lessons delivered via a virtual coach, app-based messages, goal setting and tracking, and edutainment videos. Feasibility outcomes included recruitment, retention and engagement, and self-reported acceptability. Behavioral (i.e., diet, physical activity), psychosocial (i.e., stress, coping, support, self-efficacy) and weight outcomes were also examined. Recruitment goals were met, but attrition was high, with 56% retention at 12 weeks. Approximately half of participants accessed the app and set a goal ≥one time, but <10% reported achieving a nutrition or activity goal. Among study completers, ≥60% found the app content at least somewhat helpful. Within-group changes for BeFAB among completers were found for increased moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and decreased fruit/vegetable intake and weight. Findings indicate initial feasibility of recruiting postpartum women to participate in a digital healthy body weight program but limited use, reflecting low acceptability and challenges in engagement and retention. Future research is needed on strategies to engage and retain participants in postpartum interventions.

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Feelings of safety during daytime walking: associations with mental health, physical activity and cardiometabolic health in high vacancy, low-income neighborhoods in Detroit, Michigan

International Journal of Health Geographics ◽

10.1186/s12942-021-00271-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Amber L. Pearson ◽

Kimberly A. Clevenger ◽

Teresa H. Horton ◽

Joseph C. Gardiner ◽

Ventra Asana ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Low Income ◽

Spatial Data ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Future Research ◽

Cardiometabolic Health ◽

Multilevel Regression ◽

Critical Pathway ◽

Perceived Safety

Abstract Introduction Individuals living in low-income neighborhoods have disproportionately high rates of obesity, Type-2 diabetes, and cardiometabolic conditions. Perceived safety in one’s neighborhood may influence stress and physical activity, with cascading effects on cardiometabolic health. Methods In this study, we examined relationships among feelings of safety while walking during the day and mental health [perceived stress (PSS), depression score], moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (PA), Body Mass Index (BMI), and hemoglobin A1C (A1C) in low-income, high-vacancy neighborhoods in Detroit, Michigan. We recruited 69 adults who wore accelerometers for one week and completed a survey on demographics, mental health, and neighborhood perceptions. Anthropometrics were collected and A1C was measured using A1CNow test strips. We compiled spatial data on vacant buildings and lots across the city. We fitted conventional and multilevel regression models to predict each outcome, using perceived safety during daytime walking as the independent variable of interest and individual or both individual and neighborhood-level covariates (e.g., number of vacant lots). Last, we examined trends in neighborhood features according to perceived safety. Results In this predominantly African American sample (91%), 47% felt unsafe during daytime walking. Feelings of perceived safety significantly predicted PSS (β = − 2.34, p = 0.017), depression scores (β = − 4.22, p = 0.006), and BMI (β = − 2.87, p = 0.01), after full adjustment. For PA, we detected a significant association for sex only. For A1C we detected significant associations with blighted lots near the home. Those feeling unsafe lived in neighborhoods with higher park area and number of blighted lots. Conclusion Future research is needed to assess a critical pathway through which neighborhood features, including vacant or poor-quality green spaces, may affect obesity—via stress reduction and concomitant effects on cardiometabolic health.

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