Active video games: The mediating effect of aerobic fitness on body composition Research Completed
Title
Active video games: The mediating effect of aerobic fitness on body composition
Lead Author
Maddison, R., Mhurchu, C. N., Jull, A., Prapavessis, H., Foley, L., Jiang, Y.
Organisation(s)
International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity
Publication Year
2011
Publisher
BioMed Central
Contacts
Ralph Maddison: r.maddison@ctru.auckland.ac.nz
Cliona Ni Mhurchu: c.nimhurchu@ctru.auckland.ac.nz
Andrew Jull: a.jull@auckland.ac.nz
Harry Prapavessis: hprapave@uwo.ca
Louise S Foley: l.foley@ctru.auckland.ac.nz
Yannan Jiang: y.jiang@ctru.auckland.ac.nz
Abstract
Background
Increased understanding of why and how physical activity impacts on health outcomes is needed to increase the effectiveness of physical activity interventions. A recent randomized controlled trial of an active video game (PlayStation EyeToy™) intervention showed a statistically significant treatment effect on the primary outcome, change from baseline in body mass index (BMI), which favored the intervention group at 24 weeks. In this short paper we evaluate the mediating effects of the secondary outcomes.
Objective
To identify mediators of the effect of an active video games intervention on body composition.
Methods
Data from a two-arm parallel randomized controlled trial of an active video game intervention (n = 322) were analyzed. The primary outcome was change from baseline in BMI. A priori secondary outcomes were considered as potential mediators of the intervention on BMI, including aerobic fitness (VO2Max), time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and food snacking at 24 weeks.
Results
Only aerobic fitness at 24 weeks met the conditions for mediation, and was a significant mediator of BMI.
Conclusion
Playing active video games can have a positive effect on body composition in overweight or obese children and this effect is most likely mediated through improved aerobic fitness. Future trials should examine other potential mediators related to this type of intervention.
Keywords:
Weight management, Fitness, Activity, Recreation, Video games, Interactive
How to access
For information on how to access the full text of this article, go to http://www.ijbnpa.org/content/9/1/54/abstract or contact your local or organisational library for assistance
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Added
June 29, 2012
Last Modified
June 29, 2012